A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has alcohol use disorder about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the program's basic concepts?

Choice A rationale:

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. It helps to regulate mood swings, prevent manic episodes, and reduce the risk of depressive episodes.

Choice B rationale:

Donepezil is not used to treat bipolar disorder. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor primarily used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Choice C rationale:

Valproate (Depakote) is another mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can help manage both manic and depressive episodes, as well as prevent future mood swings.

Choice D rationale:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant medication that also has mood-stabilizing properties. It is often prescribed for individuals with bipolar disorder, especially those who do not respond well to lithium.

Choice E rationale:

Paroxetine (Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is not a primary medication choice for bipolar disorder.

The correct answer is choice D: "The partner has lost 25 lbs in the past 3 months."

Choice D rationale:

This choice is the correct answer because significant weight loss in a caregiver, such as the partner of a client with Alzheimer's disease, is indicative of caregiver role strain. Caregiver role strain refers to the physical, emotional, and psychological stress experienced by caregivers due to the demands of providing care for a loved one. Weight loss in this context suggests that the partner's own health and well-being are being compromised due to the caregiving responsibilities.

Choice A rationale:

This choice might be related to safety concerns and trying to prevent the client from wandering, but it does not directly indicate caregiver role strain. Placing locks at the top of doors is a common safety measure to prevent clients with Alzheimer's disease from wandering and getting lost.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is actually a positive observation. Redirecting a frustrated client is a helpful and appropriate caregiving strategy. It indicates that the partner is actively engaged in managing the client's behavior and emotions, which is not a sign of caregiver role strain.

Choice C rationale:

Hiring a house cleaner is a practical decision and could be a sign of the partner's effort to manage their caregiving responsibilities more effectively. While it might imply a certain level of stress, it doesn't directly point to caregiver role strain as much as the significant weight loss does.