Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a 32-year-old client with bipolar disorder.
A 32-year-old client is newly prescribed lamotrigine for bipolar disorder. Which statement should the nurse include in the medication teaching for the client?
A. “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
B. “Yellowing of the skin is an expected side effect.”
C. “The starting dose will be high and will gradually taper down.”
D. “This medication may increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.”Scroll down for the correct answer!
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
D. “This medication may increase your risk for suicidal thoughts.”
Rationale: A side effect of this medication is depression and suicidal ideation. Clients who are prescribed lamotrigine should be closely monitored for these side effects.
Main takeaway
Lamotrigine is one medication used in the management of bipolar disorder. Clients newly prescribed this medication should be educated about side effects, contraindications, drug and good interactions, and correct dosing.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. “Take this medication on an empty stomach.”
Rationale: Lamotrigine should be taken with or after meals to reduce side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
B. “Yellowing of the skin is an expected side effect.”
Rationale: Yellowing skin, or jaundice, is a symptom of liver impairment and should be reported to the provider immediately.
C. “The starting dose will be high and will gradually taper down.”
Rationale: Clients with bipolar disorder are often started on a lower dose which will gradually be increased while side effects are monitored.
Reference
Skidmore-Roth, L. (2021). Mosby’s 2021 Nursing Drug Reference (34th ed.). Elsevier.
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