Author Question: After hospital discharge, what is the priority intervention for a patient with bipolar disorder, who ... (Read 82 times)

geoffrey · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

After hospital discharge, what is the priority intervention for a patient with bipolar disorder, who is taking antimanic medication, and for the patient's family?

a. Decreasing physical activity
b. Increasing food and fluids
c. Meeting self-care needs
d. Psychoeducation

Question 2

A patient with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The patient asks, Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now? Select the nurse's most appropriate response.

a. You will be able to stop the medication in approximately 1 month.
b. Taking the medication every day helps prevent relapses and recurrences.
c. Usually patients take this medication for approximately 6 months after discharge.
d. It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your medication.

kingdude89 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
During the continuation phase of treatment for bipolar disorder, the physical needs of the patient are not as important an issue as they were during the acute episode. After hospital discharge, the treatment focuses on maintaining medication compliance and preventing a relapse, both of which are fostered by ongoing psychoeducation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients with bipolar disorder may be indefinitely maintained on lithium to prevent recurrences. Helping the patient understand this need promotes medication compliance.