The spouse of a patient with bipolar disorder (BPD) tells the nurse that the patient will not stay on the lithium ordered by the provider longer than 1 or 2 months at a time
The nurse understands that adherence to medication regimens in patients with BPD is problematic and will tell the spouse that:
a. "During manic episodes, many patients don't see the benefit of prophylactic medications."
b. "Increased gastrointestinal side effects occur over time and reduce compliance."
c. "Long-term use of lithium causes memory impairment, causing patients to forget to take their medications."
d. "Patients who are depressed do not want to take their medications."
ANS: A
Patients experiencing manic symptoms often do not see anything wrong with their thinking and behavior and therefore do not believe they need treatment. Moreover, these symptoms are often enjoyable, and they do not want them to stop. Gastrointestinal side effects and central nervous system (CNS) effects of memory impairment subside over time and would diminish with long-term treatment. Patients are usually most uncomfortable during depressive episodes, and it is during these episodes that they often seek treatment.
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