Mental Health Pharmacology > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Mood Stabilizers
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for bipolar disorder. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication?
Explanation
Lithium carbonate can cause a range of side effects, including increased urination, mild thirst, and electrolyte imbalances. These effects can lead to hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood.Hyponatremia can cause symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Choice A is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypertension (high blood pressure).In fact, it may lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.
Choice B is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypotension (low blood pressure) by itself.However, it may enhance the effects of other drugs that lower blood pressure, such as diuretics or antihypertensives.
Choice C is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypernatremia (high level of sodium in the blood).On the contrary, it can cause sodium loss through increased urination and thirst.Hypernatremia can cause symptoms such as dehydration, irritability, and seizures.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is prescribed carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation
Grapefruit juice can interact with carbamazepine and increase its blood levels, which can lead to toxicity and adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and rash.Therefore, the client should avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Choice B is wrong because taking carbamazepine with food does not affect its absorption or metabolism.
Choice C is wrong because jaundice is not a common side effect of carbamazepine.However, carbamazepine can cause liver toxicity, so the client should report any signs of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Choice D is wrong because carbamazepine may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect for bipolar disorder.The client should not expect to see immediate improvement in mood symptoms.
Choice E is wrong because carbamazepine does not affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives.However, some other anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and increase the risk of pregnancy.
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for bipolar disorder. The client reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 24 hr. Which of the following statements by the client indicates to the nurse that they understand how to manage these adverse effects?
Explanation
This is because lithium carbonate can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance, especially when the client has vomiting and diarrhea.Drinking fluids can help maintain hydration and prevent lithium toxicity, which can cause tremors, confusion, nausea, and muscle weakness.
Choice A is wrong because stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse of bipolar disorder.The client should continue taking the medication as prescribed and report any adverse effects to the provider.
Choice B is wrong because taking an extra dose of the medication can increase the risk of lithium toxicity, which can be life-threatening.The client should not adjust the dosage without consulting the provider.
Choice D is wrong because taking an antacid can alter the absorption of lithium carbonate and affect its blood levels.The client should avoid taking any other medications without consulting the provider.
Normal ranges for lithium carbonate are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy and 1.0 to 1.5 mEq/L for acute mania.The client should have regular blood tests to monitor the lithium levels and adjust the dosage accordingly.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote). Which of the following statements by the client indicates to the nurse that they understand how to manage common adverse effects of this medication?
Explanation
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain as common adverse effects.Taking the medication with food or milk can help reduce these symptoms and improve the drug tolerance.
Choice A is wrong because bleeding or bruising is not a common adverse effect of valproic acid, but a rare and serious one that indicates hepatotoxicity or thrombocytopenia. The client should report any signs of bleeding or bruising immediately, but not as a way to manage common adverse effects.
Choice C is wrong because valproic acid does not usually cause drowsiness or impaired mental function as a common adverse effect. The client should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery only if they experience these effects, but not as a routine precaution.
Choice D is wrong because unusual muscle movements are not a common adverse effect of valproic acid, but a rare and serious one that indicates neurotoxicity or encephalopathy. The client should stop taking the medication and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual muscle movements, but not as a way to manage common adverse effects.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is prescribed olanzapine (Zyprexa). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an antipsychotic medication that can cause increased prolactin levels, which can interfere with ovulation and fertility in women.Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to use a reliable form of birth control while taking this medication.
Choice A is wrong because olanzapine (Zyprexa) can take several weeks to show therapeutic effects.The nurse should inform the client that they might not notice any improvement in their symptoms for 2 to 4 weeks.
Choice B is wrong because olanzapine (Zyprexa) can be taken with or without food.The nurse should advise the client to take the medication as prescribed and not to skip doses.
Choice C is wrong because olanzapine (Zyprexa) does not cause jaundice. However, it can cause weight gain, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.The nurse should monitor the client’s blood glucose and lipid levels and encourage a healthy diet and exercise.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 5 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Nursingprepexams’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now