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A client with bipolar disorder has a lithium drug level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Metallic taste
- B. Ataxia
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Slurred speech
- E. Fasciculations
- F. Muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A,C,F
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6?1.2 mEq/L) but at the upper limit, where mild side effects like metallic taste (A), diarrhea (C), and muscle weakness (F) may occur. Ataxia (B), slurred speech (D), and fasciculations (E) are more typical of toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L).
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The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the family of a client who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After teaching them about potential indicators for relapse, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when they identify which of the following as suggesting mania? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoiding people
- B. Sleeping more than usual
- C. Talking faster than usual
- D. Being hungry all the time
- E. Reading several books at once
Correct Answer: C,E
Rationale: Mania is characterized by rapid speech (C) and multitasking behaviors like reading multiple books simultaneously (E), reflecting increased energy and distractibility. Avoiding people (A) and sleeping more (B) suggest depression, and constant hunger (D) is not specific to mania.
A client is brought to the emergency department by his brother. The client has a history of bipolar disorder for which he is taking divalproex. The brother reports that he watched his brother take the medication about 2 hours ago. He stated, A little while ago, he got very disoriented and agitated. The nurse suspects toxicity based on assessment of which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Tachypnea
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Nystagmus
- E. Vomiting
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: Divalproex toxicity may present with nystagmus (D) and vomiting (E), alongside disorientation and agitation, due to neurological and gastrointestinal effects. Tachypnea (A), bradycardia (B), and hypotension (C) are less specific to valproate toxicity.
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing mania is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric setting. During the acute phase of mania, which medication would the nurse expect to most likely administer?
- A. Lithium carbonate (Lithium)
- B. Haloperidol lactate (Haldol)
- C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Haloperidol (B), a typical antipsychotic, is commonly used in acute mania to rapidly control severe agitation, impulsivity, and psychotic symptoms due to its fast-acting nature. Lithium (A) is effective for long-term mood stabilization but slower in acute mania. Fluoxetine (C) and paroxetine (D), SSRIs, are used for depression, not mania, and may worsen manic symptoms.
The nurse is assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing mania. The client states, I?m just so beautiful. Everyone just stops and stares at how gorgeous I am. Men constantly want to have sex with me. The nurse interprets these statements as indicative of which type of mood?
- A. Irritable
- B. Elevated
- C. Expansive
- D. Euphoric
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Expansive mood (C) in mania is characterized by grandiose, exaggerated self-perception, as seen in the client?s statements about beauty and desirability. Irritable mood (A) involves agitation, elevated mood (B) is less specific, and euphoric mood (D) reflects intense happiness without the grandiose quality.
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with bipolar disorder. The nurse would most likely expect to find a history of which of the following?
- A. Panic disorder
- B. Schizophrenia
- C. Delusional disorder
- D. Posttraumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Panic disorder (A) commonly co-occurs with bipolar disorder due to shared neurobiological pathways and anxiety?s prevalence in mood disorders. Schizophrenia (B) and delusional disorder (C) are psychotic disorders with distinct features, and PTSD (D) is less commonly associated with bipolar disorder.