Author Question: A patient with bipolar disorder, mania, relapsed after discontinuing lithium. The health care ... (Read 50 times)

jace · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient with bipolar disorder, mania, relapsed after discontinuing lithium. The health care provider prescribes lithium 600 mg BID and olanzapine (Zyprexa) 10 mg BID.

What is the rationale for addition of olanzapine to the lithium regime? It will: a. minimize the side effects of lithium.
b. bring hyperactivity under rapid control.
c. potentiate the antimanic action of lithium.
d. be used for long-term control of hyperactivity.

Question 2

The client has frequent drug reactions to, and side effects from, his medications. He is 72 years old and lives alone. What should he be assessed for?

a. Clarity of mind
b. Suicidal wishes
c. Concurrent substance use
d. Using someone else's medications

jordangronback · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Manic symptoms are controlled by lithium only after a therapeutic serum level is attained. Because this takes several days to accomplish, a drug with rapid onset is initially necessary to reduce the hyperactivity. Antipsychotic drugs neither enhance lithium's antimanic activity nor minimize the side effects. Lithium will be used for long-term control.

Answer to Question 2

C
More than 40 of all drug reactions occur in persons older than 65, which suggests the possibility of substance abuse.