A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder.

Exhibits

Select words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

After assessing the client and reviewing the client's medical record, the nurse determines that the client could be experiencing which of the following?

The client could be experiencing

and

.

A. Identify the client's nutritional status.

Explanation:

Given the significant weight loss and the client's distorted belief about her body image (believing she is fat despite losing weight), it is crucial to assess the client's nutritional status first. Rapid weight loss and distorted body image are characteristic features of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. The nurse needs to determine the extent of malnutrition and potential medical complications related to inadequate nutrition. This assessment will guide the subsequent interventions.

Why the other choices are incorrect:

B. Provide a structured environment for the client.

While providing a structured environment can be important in managing eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, it is not the first priority. Understanding the client's nutritional status and medical condition takes precedence.

C. Plan a therapeutic diet for the client.

Planning a therapeutic diet may be part of the client's care plan, but without understanding the underlying nutritional status and potential eating disorder, creating a diet plan may not be effective or appropriate.

D. Request a mental health consult.

While a mental health consult is important for addressing the client's distorted body image and potential eating disorder, it should follow the assessment of nutritional status. The nutritional assessment provides critical information for both medical and psychological interventions.

A. Lithium: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings and prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes.

B. Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that has been found effective in managing mood swings in bipolar disorder. It can help stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes.

C. Valproate (Valproic acid or Divalproex sodium): Valproate is another anticonvulsant medication that is used as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder. It can help control manic and mixed episodes.

The following options are not used to treat bipolar disorder:

D. Paroxetine: SSRIs, including paroxetine, carry a risk of inducing mania or hypomania in individuals with bipolar disorder. This risk is why these medications are usually avoided or used cautiously, always in conjunction with a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproate, or atypical antipsychotics. Before initiating paroxetine, it’s crucial that the client is stabilized with a mood stabilizer to minimize the risk of mood switching (i.e., moving from depression to mania or hypomania).

E. Donepezil: Donepezil is a medication used to treat Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is not used to treat bipolar disorder.