Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

In the treatment of a patient with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode, which medication is commonly prescribed?

  • A. Valproic acid
  • B. Risperidone
  • C. Fluoxetine
  • D. Lithium
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is used to manage depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness. While mood stabilizers like lithium are often used in bipolar disorder, for depressive episodes, antidepressants like fluoxetine are preferred to address the specific symptoms associated with depression. Valproic acid is a mood stabilizer often used in bipolar disorder to manage manic episodes. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used in bipolar disorder to help control manic episodes or as an adjunctive treatment, but it is not a first-line medication for depressive episodes.