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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client will implement alternative strategies for managing anxiety.
While addressing anxiety is important for the overall well-being of the client, it may not be the highest priority in this context. The immediate physical safety of the client during alcohol withdrawal takes precedence over addressing anxiety.
B. The client will acknowledge alcohol dependence and need for treatment.
Recognizing alcohol dependence and the need for treatment is an important step, but it may not be the highest priority. It is more focused on the client's acceptance and understanding of their situation rather than addressing immediate health risks.
C. The client's withdrawal from alcohol will be managed without complications.
This is the correct answer. Managing alcohol withdrawal without complications is the highest priority goal in this scenario. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to severe physical symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Ensuring the safe and medically supervised management of withdrawal is crucial for the client's immediate well-being.
D. The client will rebuild damaged interpersonal relationships.
While repairing damaged relationships is important for the client's overall rehabilitation, it's not the highest priority in this context. Physical health and safety take precedence over addressing interpersonal issues.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "How long has this been going on?":
While this question is important for gathering more information, it may come across as more investigative or less empathetic at this initial stage of the conversation.
B. "Why do you think you are so anxious?":
While it's important to understand the client's perspective, this response might come across as confrontational or judgmental. It's better to create an open and non-judgmental environment for the client to share their feelings.
C. "Have you talked to your parents about this yet?":
This response assumes that the client has parents to talk to and may not be relevant for all clients. It's also important to establish trust and rapport with the client before asking about their support network.
D. "It sounds like you're having a difficult time.":
This response is empathetic and validating. It acknowledges the client's feelings without making assumptions or demands, creating a supportive environment for further discussion.

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