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."
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Lemonade may mask the taste of lithium but does not significantly reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
B. Taking lithium with meals helps buffer the stomach lining, reducing nausea and other GI side effects.
C. A large glass of juice may dilute the medication but does not provide the same protective effect as food.
D. An antacid may help with indigestion, but it is not the primary recommendation for preventing nausea from lithium; additionally, some antacids can alter lithium absorption.
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Social isolation is more typical in depression or withdrawal, not acute mania, where patients are often excessively social or intrusive.
B. Impaired mood regulation is characteristic of mania, involving mood swings, irritability, and poor impulse control.
C. Imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements is unlikely during mania; patients often have decreased appetite.
D. Chronic confusion is not typical in acute mania; cognitive impairment may be present but is usually not chronic.
E. Sleep deprivation is common in manic episodes due to decreased need for sleep and hyperactivity.
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