A client who has been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder states,"God has taught me how to decode the Bible." A nurse should anticipate that which combination of medications would be ordered to address this client's symptoms?
A) Lithium carbonate (Lithobid) and risperidone (Risperdal)
B) Lithium carbonate (Lithobid) and carbamazepine (Tegretol)
C) Valproic acid (Depakote) and sertraline (Zoloft)
D) Valproic acid (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient who is experiencing psychosis (in this case,delusions of grandeur)may be benefited by the addition of an antipsychotic medication (risperidone)to the mood stabilizer (lithium).In addition,since lithium does not immediately reach therapeutic levels,the sedative properties of an antipsychotic may be useful in reducing agitation,hyperactivity,and/or insomnia.

A Client Who Has Been Diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder