Final answer:
When administering medications, especially psychoactive or antihypertensive drugs, one must monitor for changes in mental status, hallucinations, and hypotension. These can be signs of an adverse reaction or overdose. Protocols should be in place to promptly address these side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should look for changes in mental status, hallucinations, and hypotension when giving psychoactive medications, antihypertensive drugs, or any other medication with central nervous system depressant properties. These are signs that may indicate an adverse drug reaction or an overdose. Mental status changes can include confusion, altered level of consciousness, and difficulty concentrating. Hallucinations are false perceptions in the absence of an external stimulus, which can be visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory. Hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure, can result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, shock. When administering medications, it's crucial to monitor the patient closely for these symptoms and to have protocols in place to address any potential adverse effects. It's also essential to follow the correct dosing requirements and be aware of any drug interactions that could increase the risks of these symptoms.