A client with rapid cycling bipolar disorder is not responding ...

[MirandaLo]

A client with rapid cycling bipolar disorder is not responding well to lithium. The client tells the nurse, It feels as though I'll never get well. I get better, then I get worse. The reply that is based on knowledge of current therapy would be:
 
  1. You're feeling very discouraged aren't you?
  2. It's not all bad, is it? Sometimes you like being high.
  3. Another drug, valproic acid, is proving effective for rapid cycling.
  4. If your kidneys hold out, the lithium will eventually control the symptoms.

Question 2

To understand what to expect following administration of a benzodiazepine, the nurse must un-derstand that benzodiazepines:
 
  1. Enhance the activity of GABA
  2. Reduce availability of GABA
  3. Interact with serotonin to increase availability
  4. Diminish GABA activity

[Jane]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
Valproic acid is a first line agent for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is particularly effective with rapid cycling. The other options are not responsive to the question stem, which asks for knowledge of current therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 1
Benzodiazepines enhance the activity of GABA, producing sedation, making it appropriate for the nurse to assess for lessening of anxiety and agitation, drowsiness, etc. 2. There is no effect on availability of GABA. 3. This is not a function of GABA. 4. Benzodiazepines do not diminish GABA activity; they enhance it.

[MirandaLo]

Thank you

[Jane]

No problemo