Mood Stabilizers
Mood Stabilizers ( 5 Questions)
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?
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.
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 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.
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.