Author Question: A patient with bipolar disorder has rapid cycles. The health care provider prescribes an ... (Read 58 times)

leo leo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient with bipolar disorder has rapid cycles. The health care provider prescribes an anticonvulsant medication. To prepare teaching materials, which drug should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?

a. phenytoin (Dilantin)
b. clonidine (Catapres)
c. carbamazepine (Tegretol)
d. chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Question 2

The cause of bipolar disorder has not been determined, but:

a. several factors, including genetics, are implicated.
b. brain structures were altered by stresses early in life.
c. excess norepinephrine is probably a major factor.
d. excess sensitivity in dopamine receptors may exist.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Some patients with bipolar disorder, especially those who have only short periods between episodes, have a favorable response to the anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate. Phenytoin is also an anticonvulsant but is not used for mood stabilization. Carbamazepine seems to work better in patients with rapid cycling and in severely paranoid, angry patients with manic episodes.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
At this time, the interplay of complex independent variables is most likely the best explanation of the cause for bipolar disorder. Various theories implicate genetics, endocrine imbalance, early stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances.