A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed an antidepressant medication as part of their treatment plan. Which of the following is an important consideration when administering antidepressants to individuals with bipolar disorder?

Choice B rationale:

Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions is the primary goal of the nursing process during the implementation phase for a patient with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, and interventions are implemented to address both manic and depressive symptoms. By evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, the nurse can determine if the patient's symptoms are improving, worsening, or remaining stable. This information guides further adjustments to the care plan, ensuring that the patient receives the most appropriate and beneficial treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Collecting data about the patient's physical status is an important aspect of the assessment phase, not the implementation phase, of the nursing process. While physical status assessment informs the development of the care plan, the primary focus of implementation is to put the planned interventions into action and evaluate their outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Planning evidence-based interventions for the patient is a crucial step in the planning phase of the nursing process. During this phase, the nurse identifies interventions that are tailored to the patient's specific needs and based on evidence-based practice. Once the planning is complete, the nurse moves on to implementing the interventions and subsequently evaluating their effectiveness.

Choice D rationale:

Administering pharmacological treatments is an action that falls within the implementation phase of the nursing process. However, it is not the primary goal of this phase for a patient with bipolar disorder. While pharmacological treatments may be part of the interventions, the primary focus is on evaluating the outcomes of these interventions to ensure the patient's symptoms are being effectively managed.

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Choice C rationale:

The nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting any side effects to the healthcare provider when educating a patient with MDD who has been prescribed an atypical antidepressant. Side effects can vary from person to person, and prompt reporting allows the healthcare provider to monitor and manage any adverse reactions effectively.

Choice A Rationale:

Choice A (Taking the medication only as needed) is incorrect because atypical antidepressants, like other antidepressants, need to be taken consistently as prescribed. Taking them as needed may not provide the sustained therapeutic levels required to manage MDD effectively.

Choice B Rationale:

Choice B (Taking the medication on an empty stomach) is not a key aspect of medication adherence for atypical antidepressants. While some medications do require administration on an empty stomach, this is not a general guideline for all antidepressants.

Choice D Rationale:

Choice D (Stopping the medication abruptly if side effects occur) is incorrect. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant, including atypical ones, can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a sudden return of depressive symptoms. Discontinuation should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and usually involves tapering the dose.

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