Author Question: The patient has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. The physician prescribes lithium ... (Read 33 times)

vHAUNG6011 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. The physician prescribes lithium (Eskalith). The patient's current lithium level is 0.4. What will the nurse expect to assess in this patient?

1. A return to baseline behavior, calm and rational
2. Hyperactivity and pressured speech
3. Signs and symptoms of depression
4. A decrease in manic behavior

Question 2

The nurse has completed medication education for a patient prior to the patient receiving phenelzine (Nardil). The nurse evaluates the education as effective when the patient makes which statement(s)?

1. I am really going to miss my morning coffee and sweet roll.
2. I'll have to give up my beer at the football games.
3. I can't eat fried chicken and gravy.
4. I am not supposed to have processed meats or cheese.
5. I really shouldn't eat at a restaurant; too many foods are on my restricted list.

Rilsmarie951 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: A therapeutic lithium level is 0.6 to 1.5. Since this patient's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, i.e., hyperactivity and pressured speech. There will be no decrease in manic behavior because the lithium level is too low. The patient will not exhibit signs and symptoms of depression, but will continue in the manic phase until the lithium level is within a therapeutic range. The patient will not return to baseline behavior, but will continue in the manic phase until the lithium level is within a therapeutic range.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2,4
Rationale: Beer and processed meats and cheese are high in tyramine. Combining tyramine-rich foods with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor can result in a hypertensive crisis. Fried chicken and gravy are not high in tyramine and are considered safe. There are many foods that are safe to eat; the patient can safely eat at a restaurant. Coffee and a sweet roll are not high in tyramine and are considered safe.