KN is a 26 yo male with no comorbid disease state that was recently diagnosed with psychosis; a decision is being made to start an anti-psychotic.
1. What is the major difference between atypical antipsychotics and the older typical ones?
2. What medication would you treat this patient with and why?
3. In this case what would you monitor for with respect to efficacy and side effects of the medication you prescribed.
4. After 2 years of less than adequate response with various agents a decision was made to stop the antipsychotic and try lithium. What side effects must the APN monitor for in one taking lithium?