Re: Interview next week for inpatient psych unit!
Be prepared for a question about side effects of psychiatric medications. One popular question concerns extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). These consist of tardive dyskinesia (involuntary irregular muscle movements, usually in the face), pill rolling with the fingers, involuntary tongue movements and so forth. EPS can be caused by both antipsychotic and antidepressant medications, although it is most commonly associated with older antipsychotics (hence the term "Haldol/Thorazine shuffle").
If you get a hypothetical question about an escalating patient, the best response is to speak softly and slowly and remain calm. Give the patient the chance to express what he/she is feeling, and be prepared to allow someone else to take the lead in intervention if things are not going well.
Nursing News