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."


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

Nursing

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Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

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