A nurse is reviewing medication records for several clients who have bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications are used to treat clients who have bipolar disorder? (Select all that apply.)
Lithium
Carbamazepine
Valproate (Valproic acid or Divalproex sodium)
Paroxetine
Donepezil
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. Lithium: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings and prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes.
B. Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that has been found effective in managing mood swings in bipolar disorder. It can help stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes.
C. Valproate (Valproic acid or Divalproex sodium): Valproate is another anticonvulsant medication that is used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. It can help control manic and mixed episodes.
The following options are not used to treat bipolar disorder:
D. Paroxetine: SSRIs, including paroxetine, carry a risk of inducing mania or hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder. This risk is why these medications are usually avoided or used cautiously, always in conjunction with a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproate, or atypical antipsychotics. Before initiating paroxetine, it’s crucial that the client is stabilized with a mood stabilizer to minimize the risk of mood switching (i.e., moving from depression to mania or hypomania).
E. Donepezil: Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is not used to treat bipolar disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Remaining with the client provides support and ensures their safety. The client's behavior indicates distress, and having a nurse nearby can help the client feel more comfortable and secure.
B. Give the client a PRN sleeping medication:
Explanation: Administering a sleeping medication should not be the first response, especially if the client is agitated. It's important to address the underlying cause of the agitation and consider other interventions before resorting to medication.
C. Encourage the client to go back to bed:
Explanation: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might not be effective if they are experiencing significant distress or anxiety. It's better to address their emotional state first before suggesting any changes in activity.
D. Explore alternatives to pacing the floor with the client:
Explanation: This is a reasonable course of action. Exploring alternatives to the client's current behavior can help address their distress and find ways to manage their emotions more effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "My child was born with a birth defect due to an exposure I had overseas."
This statement does not directly relate to the core symptoms of PTSD. While exposure to trauma can have a variety of consequences, including potential exposure-related health issues, this statement does not necessarily indicate the re-experiencing, avoidance, or hyperarousal symptoms characteristic of PTSD.
B) "I check any room I enter because the enemy is still after me and could be hiding anywhere."
This statement is more indicative of hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which are common symptoms of PTSD. However, it does not explicitly involve re-experiencing the traumatic event through nightmares or intrusive memories, as described in the correct answer.
C) "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me."
Explanation:
The statement "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me" indicates symptoms commonly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This statement reflects the re-experiencing symptom cluster of PTSD, where individuals may have distressing and intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event they experienced. The imagery of wounded individuals trying to grab the person suggests a strong emotional impact and ongoing distress related to the traumatic experience.
D) "I killed four enemy soldiers with my bare hands and saved my entire battalion."
While this statement might reflect exposure to a traumatic event and could contribute to symptoms of PTSD, it is presented in a way that seems more like a narrative of heroic actions rather than a symptom of distress or re-experiencing.

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