A nurse is providing education to a client with bipolar disorder about benzodiazepines. Which statement accurately describes a potential side effect of benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines can cause weight gain and increased appetite.

Benzodiazepines are used to enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain.

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers.

Benzodiazepines may lead to cognitive impairment and dependence.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Benzodiazepines can cause weight gain and increased appetite. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines are not typically associated with weight gain and increased appetite. Weight gain is more commonly associated with certain other psychotropic medications like some antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Benzodiazepines primarily affect the central nervous system and are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties rather than influencing appetite.

Choice B rationale:

Benzodiazepines are used to enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines do not enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain. They work by enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to sedative and calming effects. Dopamine is a separate neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and movement control, and benzodiazepines do not directly influence its effects.

Choice C rationale:

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines are not commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are a class of medications used to manage mood disorders like bipolar disorder. While benzodiazepines might be used in certain cases to manage anxiety or agitation associated with bipolar disorder, they are not considered primary mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers like lithium, anticonvulsants (e.g., valproate, carbamazepine), and certain atypical antipsychotics are more commonly used for this purpose.

Choice D rationale:

Benzodiazepines may lead to cognitive impairment and dependence. Rationale: This statement is correct. Benzodiazepines are associated with potential cognitive impairment and the risk of dependence. These medications have sedative effects that can impact cognitive function, including memory and attention. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it important for healthcare providers to carefully assess and monitor their use in patients, particularly those with bipolar disorder.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Antipsychotics are often used to manage acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, but they are not considered the gold standard for overall treatment. They may have a role as adjunctive therapy or in specific situations, but they are not typically the primary choice for maintenance treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Antidepressants are used in bipolar disorder treatment, but they are often cautiously prescribed due to the risk of triggering manic episodes or rapid cycling. They are not considered the gold standard due to this potential for destabilization.

Choice C rationale:

Benzodiazepines may be used to manage acute agitation or anxiety in bipolar disorder, but they are not the gold standard for long-term treatment. Prolonged use can lead to dependence and may not address the underlying mood instability.

Choice D rationale:

Mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers like lithium, valproate (divalproex), and lamotrigine are considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder treatment due to their efficacy in managing both acute episodes (manic, hypomanic, and depressive) and providing long-term stabilization. These medications help prevent relapses and mood swings by regulating neurotransmitters and stabilizing mood fluctuations.

A. "It sounds like you're feeling pretty good about yourself.". B. "I'm sorry you're feeling this way. Would you like to talk more?". C. "You're mistaken. Nobody has special talents like that.". D. "It seems like you're having trouble understanding reality.".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Correct Choice Responding with empathy and reflecting the client's feelings is important in therapeutic communication. In this scenario, the client is exhibiting grandiose beliefs and a heightened sense of self-importance. The response acknowledges the client's feelings without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing, maintaining a nonjudgmental stance.

Choice B rationale:

While offering to listen and talk more is a good approach, the phrasing of this option, "I'm sorry you're feeling this way," could be perceived as dismissive or patronizing. It's important to provide a more empathetic and open response to the client's feelings.

Choice C rationale:

Responding with a contradictory statement might escalate the situation and potentially lead to a power struggle with the client. Challenging the client's beliefs directly could be counterproductive to building a therapeutic relationship.

Choice D rationale:

This response could be interpreted as confrontational and potentially distressing to the client. It's important to maintain a supportive and nonjudgmental stance when communicating with individuals experiencing manic or hypomanic episodes.

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A nurse is providing education to a client with bipolar disorder about benzodiazepines. Which statement accurately describes a potential side effect of benzodiazepines?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing treatment approaches for bipolar disorder with a client. Which class of medications is considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder treatment due to its efficacy in both acute and maintenance phases?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is exhibiting symptoms of a manic episode. The client states, "I am the most important person in the world, and I have unique abilities that no one else possesses." What is the appropriate nursing response?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing care to a patient with bipolar disorder. What is the primary goal of the nursing process during the implementation phase for this patient?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is administering an MAOI antidepressant to a patient with MDD. What should the nurse teach the patient to avoid while on this medication? (Select three).

A nurse is conducting an assessment of a patient with bipolar disorder. The nurse observes that the patient's emotional expression is inappropriate and not congruent with the situation. What should the nurse document about the patient's affect?

A nurse is providing education to a patient with MDD who has been prescribed an atypical antidepressant. What should the nurse emphasize as a key aspect of medication adherence?

A nurse is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which of the following aspects of the assessment should the nurse consider as part of the physical assessment? Select all that apply:

A client with MDD is prescribed a TCA antidepressant. The nurse should teach the client to avoid which type of foods or beverages due to their potential interaction with TCAs?

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?

A client with bipolar disorder is exhibiting signs of impaired judgment and poor insight. What should the nurse assess and document about the client's cognitive abilities?