A nurse is reviewing medication records for several clients who have bipolar disorder. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications are used to treat clients who have bipolar disorder? (Select all that apply.)
Lithium
Carbamazepine
Valproate (Valproic acid or Divalproex sodium)
Paroxetine
Donepezil
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Nystagmus: Nystagmus is not a typical manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. It is more commonly associated with intoxication or neurological conditions. Therefore, it is not included in the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
B. Illusions: Illusions (misinterpretations of external stimuli) are common during alcohol withdrawal, especially in severe cases such as withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens). Clients may misinterpret shadows or objects as threatening.
C. Polyphagia: Polyphagia (excessive eating) is not a recognized manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Clients with withdrawal may experience nausea or a lack of appetite rather than an increased appetite.
D. Tremors: Tremors, often called "the shakes," are one of the most common early signs of alcohol withdrawal. They usually begin within hours after alcohol cessation.
E. Seizures: Seizures, specifically generalized tonic-clonic seizures, are a serious complication of alcohol withdrawal. They can occur within 6–48 hours after the last drink and are part of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client responds to questions with disorganized speech:
Disorganized speech is a hallmark of acute mania, often reflecting racing thoughts, pressured speech, and difficulty staying on topic.
B. The client reports that voices are telling him to write a novel:
Reporting that voices are telling the client to write a novel suggests auditory hallucinations, which can occur in various psychiatric conditions, not specifically indicative of acute mania.
C. The client's spouse reports that the client has recently gained weight:
Weight gain is not a typical hallmark of acute mania. In fact, during manic episodes, individuals might experience decreased appetite and sleep, leading to potential weight loss.
D. The client is dressed in all black:
Dressing in all black is not a specific sign of acute mania. While changes in clothing choices or appearance can sometimes be associated with mood changes, this finding alone is not indicative of acute mania.

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