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 A rationale:

The correct answer is A, "Orientation, memory, and attention." Impaired judgment and poor insight can be indicative of cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder. Assessing orientation (awareness of time, place, and person), memory (short-term and long-term memory abilities), and attention (ability to focus and concentrate) can provide insights into cognitive deficits that may be contributing to impaired judgment.

Choice B rationale:

"Physical vital signs and laboratory tests" are essential assessments, but they are not directly related to the cognitive abilities of the client. They focus on physiological aspects rather than cognitive functioning.

Choice C rationale:

"Coherence, logic, and continuity of thought" are aspects of thought processes, not cognitive abilities like memory and attention. These are more relevant to assessing thought disorders or psychosis.

Choice D rationale:

"Signs of confusion, disorientation, and amnesia" are relevant to cognitive assessment, but this choice does not cover the breadth of cognitive abilities encompassed by choice A.

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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