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

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 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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