Which suggestions are appropriate for the family of a patient ...

[Bob-Dole]

Which suggestions are appropriate for the family of a patient with bipolar disorder who is being treated as an outpatient during a hypomanic episode? Select all that apply.
 
  a. Provide structure.
  b. Limit credit card access.
  c. Encourage group-social interaction.
  d. Suggest limiting work to half days.
  e. Monitor the patient's sleep patterns.

Question 2

Lithium is prescribed for a new patient. Which information from the patient's history indicates that monitoring serum concentrations of the drug will be challenging and critical?
 
  a. Arthritis
  b. Epilepsy
  c. Psoriasis
  d. Congestive heart failure

[mcomstock09]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, E
A patient with hypomania is expansive, grandiose, and labile; uses poor judgment; spends inappropriately; and is overstimulated by a busy environment. Providing structure helps the patient maintain appropriate behavior. Financial irresponsibility may be avoided by limiting access to cash and credit cards. Continued decline in sleep patterns may indicate the condition has evolved to full mania. Group socialization should be kept to a minimum to reduce stimulation. A full leave of absence from work is necessary to limit stimuli and to prevent problems associated with poor judgment and the inappropriate decision making that accompany hypomania.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The patient with congestive heart failure will likely need diuretic drugs, which will complicate the maintenance of the fluid balance necessary to avoid lithium toxicity.

[Bob-Dole]

Thank you

[mcomstock09]

Happy to help you