A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's appropriate response.

"It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your medication."

"Most patients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge."

"Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."

"You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:
A. Suggesting it is unusual for the provider to continue lithium could undermine trust in the treatment plan and is inaccurate.
B. Lithium is typically continued long-term or indefinitely to prevent relapse, not just for 6 months.
C. Continuing daily lithium helps maintain mood stability and significantly reduces the risk of relapse in bipolar disorder, even when the patient feels well.
D. Stopping lithium after only 1 month of stability greatly increases the likelihood of recurrence of manic or depressive episodes.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Dysthymic disorder is a chronic mild depression and typically does not require intensive supervision.
B. Bipolar II disorder involves hypomania and depression but less severe mania than Bipolar I.
C. Bipolar I disorder includes full manic episodes which can involve risky, impulsive, or aggressive behavior requiring close supervision for safety.
D. Cyclothymic disorder involves milder mood swings and generally lower risk behaviors.

A. Bipolar I disorder B. Bipolar II disorder C. Cyclothymic disorder D. Schizophrenia

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Bipolar I disorder involves episodes of full mania, not just hypomania.
B. Bipolar II disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of hypomania and major depression (often mild to moderate).
C. Cyclothymic disorder involves milder mood swings but does not meet criteria for hypomania or major depression.
D. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder, not primarily a mood disorder with hypomanic and depressive episodes.

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A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's appropriate response.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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