A patient recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been admitted to the unit with severe mania. Home medications include valproic acid (Depakene). An antipsychotic medication is added to the medication regimen as a STAT order
After the new medication is explained to the patient, he states, "I'm not crazy. Why am I receiving this antipsychotic medication?" What is the nurse's most appropriate response to the patient? a. "The antipsychotic drug reduces your manic episode."
b. "The antipsychotic will help control symptoms during severe manic episodes."
c. "The antipsychotic allows higher levels of valproic acid without signs of toxicity."
d. "The antipsychotic is actually the primary drug therapy for bipolar disorder."
B
In patients with bipolar disorder, antipsychotic drugs are given to help control symptoms during severe manic episodes, even if psychotic symptoms are absent. The antipsychotic drugs usually are given in combination with a mood stabilizer.
The antipsychotic drug addresses the symptoms, not the duration, of the manic episode.
Antipsychotic medications do not affect valproic acid levels.
Antipsychotics are not the primary therapy for bipolar disorder.
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