A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with bipolar disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient
complains of prickly skin sensations
demonstrates slowed verbal responses.
paces aimlessly around the room.
asks the nurse to repeat instructions.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Prickly skin sensations may occur with anxiety or substance use, not psychomotor agitation.
B. Slowed verbal responses indicate psychomotor retardation, not agitation.
C. Psychomotor agitation refers to increased, purposeless movement such as pacing, hand-wringing, or fidgeting.
D. Asking to repeat instructions indicates poor concentration, not specifically psychomotor agitation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antipsychotics are used for psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia, delusions, hallucinations), not for acute anxiety.
B. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam) are the treatment of choice for acute anxiety or panic attacks because they act quickly (within minutes to hours) by enhancing GABA neurotransmission, providing rapid relief.
C. Mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate) are used in bipolar disorder, not for acute situational anxiety.
D. Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) are used for long-term management of depression and some anxiety disorders, but their onset is delayed (2–6 weeks), making them ineffective for acute anxiety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Patients do not need to double fluid intake, just maintain adequate hydration (2–3 L/day). Drinking twice the usual amount could lead to fluid overload or dilute sodium balance.
B. Lithium should never be doubled. In fact, vomiting and diarrhea increase risk of lithium toxicity, so the provider must be notified instead.
C. Lithium excretion is closely tied to sodium and fluid balance. A stable diet with normal salt and adequate fluid intake helps prevent fluctuations in lithium levels and reduces risk of toxicity.
D. Avoiding aged cheese, processed meats, and red wine is teaching for MAOI therapy (to prevent hypertensive crisis due to tyramine), not for lithium.
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