Preconference A • Preconference B

Preconference A
Psychopharmacology: Developing Strategies for Rational Drug Selection
Wednesday, April 23
Susan McCabe, EdD, APRN, BC
( = 7.5 hrs.)

Nurses in psychiatric practice deal with patients experiencing complex and often co-morbid health states. As these health states are increasingly treated, at least in part, with pharmacotherapeutics, the sheer array of available drugs makes selection of the appropriate medication for a specific patient a daunting task. Through the use of real-world case studies, this Preconference will provide participants with a brain-based, evidence-focused strategy for the appropriate selection of antidepressant, antianxiety, and antipsychotic drugs. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to work through the available case studies and practice the strategies in order to build confidence in this approach.

At the conclusion of this Preconference participants will be able to:

• Describe commonly used strategies for the selection of pharmacotherapeutic agents, including the benefits and limitations of each.
  
  
• Apply brain-based assessment procedures to real-world case studies in order to select appropriate pharmacotherapeutic agents for designated psychiatric disorders.
  
  
• Analyze the utility and efficacy of brain-based strategies to participants’ current practice.

Fundamentals of Rational Drug Selection: Introduction to Brain-Based Assessment Strategies for Pharmacologic Management of Psychiatric Disorders

Application to Practice - Case Study #1: Pharmacologic Management of Patients Experiencing Psychotic Disorders

Lunch Break

Refreshment Break

Preconference B
Psychiatric Emergencies: Crisis Assessment and Management
Wednesday, April 23
Mary Ann Nihart, MA, ARNP, CS, BC
Pamela E. Marcus, MS, APRN/PMH-BC
( = 2.5 hrs.)

Psychiatric emergencies can be disturbing and dangerous for both the patient and the staff. Reduced lengths of stay, poor access to care and lack of adherence to treatment are often contributing factors to emergency situations. This Preconference offers evidence-based approaches to accurate assessment and management of a variety of these psychiatric conditions, de-escalation of actual and potentially violent situations, and strategies to support staff in their aftermath.

At the conclusion of this Preconference participants will be able to:

• Analyze major concepts of psychiatric emergencies.
  
  
• Discuss assessment strategies and treatment considerations for emergent situations.
  
  
• Identify appropriate psychopharmacologic interventions.
  
  
• Examine approaches for de-escalation during psychiatric emergencies.
  
  
• Identify methods for debriefing and supporting employees post-incident.

Assessment and Management of Psychiatric Emergencies
Deborah Antai-Otong, MS, APRN, BC, FAAN

Refreshment Break

Acute Anxiety Disorders
Pamela E. Marcus, MS, APRN/PMH-BC

Mood-Related Emergencies
Deborah Antai-Otong, MS, APRN, BC, FAAN