A patient is receiving aripiprazole. Which nursing intervention(s) will the nurse include in the patient’s care plan? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remain with the patient until medication is swallowed. This intervention is important to ensure medication compliance and prevent cheeking or hoarding of the medication. By staying with the patient until the medication is swallowed, the nurse can confirm that the full dose is taken, reducing the risk of treatment failure. Choice A is incorrect because aripiprazole can be taken with or without food, so administering it before meals on an empty stomach is not necessary for absorption. Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring vital signs is important when administering aripiprazole, it is primarily to detect side effects such as tachycardia rather than orthostatic hypotension specifically. Choice D is incorrect because while assessing for neuroleptic malignant syndrome is important with antipsychotic medications, it is not a specific nursing intervention related to aripiprazole administration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Divalproex. Divalproex, also known as valproic acid, is commonly used to treat bipolar affective disorder as a mood stabilizer. It helps control manic episodes and prevent future episodes. Thiopental (A) is a short-acting barbiturate used for anesthesia, not bipolar disorder. Ginkgo biloba (B) is an herbal supplement with no proven efficacy in treating bipolar disorder. Fluvoxamine (C) is an antidepressant used for treating depression, not specifically for bipolar disorder. In summary, divalproex is the correct choice due to its established effectiveness in managing bipolar symptoms, while the other options lack evidence or are not indicated for this condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: St. John's wort can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors due to its serotonin-enhancing effects. St. John's wort increases serotonin levels, leading to potentially dangerous levels when combined with SSRIs. Feverfew, Ma-huang, and Ginkgo biloba do not directly affect serotonin levels, making them unlikely to cause serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxetine. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. It is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions. Amitriptyline (B) is a tricyclic antidepressant, not an SSRI. Divalproex sodium (C) is an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, not an SSRI. Bupropion hydrochloride (D) is an atypical antidepressant that works on dopamine and norepinephrine, not serotonin. Therefore, the correct choice is A as it is the only SSRI in the options provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instruct the patient to avoid beer and cheddar cheese. Tranylcypromine sulfate is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and consuming foods high in tyramine, such as beer and cheddar cheese, can lead to a hypertensive crisis due to the interaction with MAOIs. It is crucial for the nurse to advise the patient to avoid these foods to prevent serious complications. Incorrect choices: A: Warn the patient about severe hypotension - This is incorrect because MAOIs are known to cause hypertensive crises, not hypotension. C: Encourage the patient to take ginseng and ephedra - This is incorrect because ginseng and ephedra can interact with MAOIs and lead to an increased risk of hypertensive crisis. D: Encourage the patient to eat fruit such as bananas - This is incorrect because while a healthy diet is important, there is no specific indication for bananas