A client with bipolar disorder has had a history of multiple episodes and states, I?m so frustrated with what?s happened because of these episodes. Which of the following would the nurse encourage to help support this client?s recovery?
- A. Codependence
- B. Hope
- C. Self-control
- D. Independent decision making
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging hope (B) fosters resilience and motivation for recovery in bipolar disorder, countering frustration. Codependence (A) is unhealthy, self-control (C) is important but less primary, and independent decision-making (D) may be impaired during episodes.
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A client with bipolar disorder having experienced a depressive episode is prescribed lamotrigine. After teaching the client about this medication, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the client states which of the following?
- A. I need to notify my physician if I develop a skin rash.
- B. I need to have my blood tested about once a month.
- C. I need to watch how much salt I use every day.
- D. This drug can affect my liver function.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lamotrigine (A) carries a risk of serious skin rashes, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, requiring immediate reporting. Blood testing (B) is not routine for lamotrigine, salt intake (C) is irrelevant, and liver function (D) is less commonly affected compared to other mood stabilizers.
A client who is receiving lithium comes to the clinic for an evaluation. During the visit, the client reports a fine hand tremor. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Immediately obtain a specimen to determine the client?s blood drug level.
- B. Suggest that the client take the medication with meals or snacks.
- C. Assist the client in minimizing exposure to stressors.
- D. Encourage the client to elevate the affected hand on a pillow.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A fine hand tremor is a common, benign side effect of lithium. Taking the medication with meals or snacks (B) can reduce gastrointestinal irritation and tremor severity. Immediate blood testing (A) is unnecessary unless toxicity is suspected, stress reduction (C) is less relevant, and elevation (D) is ineffective.
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.
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.
A client with bipolar disorder is receiving divalproex sodium as part of the treatment plan. When monitoring the client?s blood level for this drug, which level would alert the nurse to the need to change the dosage?
- A. 30 ng/mL
- B. 55 ng/mL
- C. 75 ng/mL
- D. 115 ng/mL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for divalproex sodium (valproic acid) is 50?100 µg/mL (often reported as ng/mL in some contexts). A level of 115 ng/mL (D) is above this range, indicating potential toxicity and the need for dosage reduction. Levels of 30, 55, and 75 ng/mL (A, B, C) are below or within the therapeutic range.
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