RATIONALE: The exact mechanism of antipsychotic medication action is unknown, but these drugs appear to depress the CNS by blocking the transmission of three neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. They don't sedate the CNS by stimulating serotonin, and they don't stimulate neurotransmitter action or acetylcholine release.NURSING PROCESS STEP: AssessmentCLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrityCLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Pharmacological and parenteral therapiesCOGNITIVE LEVEL: Comprehension