A 28-year-old patient who has diagnosis of bipolar disorder I, drinks alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nursing caring for this patient recognizes that:
The patient is using alcohol because she is depressed
Alcohol ingestion is a form of self-medication
The patient lacks the neurotransmitters to control behavior
Anxiety may be present.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. While depression may contribute to substance use, this choice makes an assumption about the patient's emotional state without adequate context.
B. Individuals with bipolar disorder often use substances like alcohol to manage or "self-medicate" their mood symptoms instead of taking prescribed medications.
C. This statement is overly simplistic and not clinically accurate; behavior is influenced by multiple factors, not just neurotransmitter levels.
D. While anxiety might coexist, this statement is vague and doesn't directly explain the pattern of substituting alcohol for prescribed medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Shortness of breath and chronic cough are not typical early signs of lithium toxicity; these suggest possible respiratory or cardiac issues unrelated to lithium.
B. Early signs of lithium toxicity include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea) and neuromuscular effects such as weakness.
C. ECG changes and chest pain can occur with severe toxicity, but they are not the most common initial symptoms.
D. Thirst may be a side effect of lithium due to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and nystagmus can occur in severe neurotoxicity, but these are not the classic early warning signs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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