Asked by Ashley Cintron on Jun 27, 2024

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A patient diagnosed 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 appropriate response.

A) "You will be able to stop the medication in about 1 month."
B) "Taking the medication every day helps reduce the risk of a relapse."
C) "Most patients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge."
D) "It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your medication."

Maintenance Phase

A stage in treatment or disease management following initial improvement or recovery, focused on stabilizing and sustaining progress.

Lithium

A metal used in the form of lithium salts as a medication to treat bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood.

Risk of Relapse

The probability or likelihood of returning to unhealthy behaviors or symptoms after a period of improvement or recovery.

  • Describe the implications of non-adherence to pharmacotherapy in bipolar disorder and strategies to address it.
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AL
Alexandra Larios-GarciaJun 28, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be maintained on lithium indefinitely to prevent recurrences. Helping the patient understand this need will promote medication adherence.