A 78-year-old patient on the medical-surgical floor is postoperative after a bowel resection. The patient has just been transferred to the floor after being in the ICU for 3 days. Upon arrival to the floor, the patient is confused and agitated. The ICU nurse reports that the patient has been receiving ziprasidone for agitation. The receiving nurse on the floor knows which of the following about ziprasidone?

Explanation

• Ziprasidone (Geodon) may be used to treat acute episodes of agitation with confusion. This medication is not used long-term for the treatment of chronic psychiatric disorders.

• It is typically given by mouth twice daily or IM once every 24 hours for agitation where the patient could be harmed if agitation is not controlled.

• Ziprasidone has many side effects like all antipsychotic medications. It may also cause drowsiness.

• Ziprasidone should not be given to patients with seizures or Parkinson's disease as it may increase symptoms of the underlying condition.

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