Mood Stabilizers

Question 1

Bipolar Treatment Challenges

Answer 1

Treating from “above” and “below”
Medication adherence
Self-Medication

Question 2

Bipolar Medication Options

Answer 2

Lithium
Antiepileptic
Atypical antipsychotics

Question 3

Benefits of Lithium

Answer 3

Highly effective (gold standard)
Treats from above and below
Lowers suicide risk

Question 4

What is the problem with lithium?

Answer 4

It has a narrow therapeutic range.

Question 5

What should lithium levels be?

Answer 5

< 1.5 mEq/L

Question 6

Normal Side Effects of Lithium

Answer 6

Mild Nausea, Diarrhea
Fine hand tremors
Polyuria and polydipsia
Weight gain

Question 7

Early Signs of Lithium Toxicity

Answer 7

Ataxia
Coarse tremors
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Ears ringing

Question 8

Client Teaching

Answer 8

Take with food to prevent GI upset
Maintain adequate fluid and salt intake
Avoid strenuous exercise
Signs of toxicity

Question 9

Low sodium levels and water loss leads to …

Answer 9

Lithium toxicity

Question 10

Lithium levels should be less than …

Answer 10

1.5 mEq/L

Question 11

What common beverage used contain lithium?

Answer 11

7 up

Question 12

What are the 5 stages of bipolar?

Answer 12

1. Mania
2. Hypomania
3. Euthymia
4. Dysthymia
5. Depression