A Patient Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Is in the Maintenance

question 27

Multiple Choice

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 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 has not already stopped your medication."

---

Definitions:

IM Injection

A method of delivering medication directly into the muscles, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Z-track Method

An injection technique utilized to prevent medication from leaking back through the needle track, especially for irritating or staining medications.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lung caused primarily by microbes, chemical irritants, vegetable dust, or allergy.

Acute Inflammation

A rapid immune response to injury or infection, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the affected area.