The spouse of a patient with bipolar disorder (BPD) tells the nurse that the patient will not stay on the lithium ordered by the provider longer than 1 or 2 months at a time. The nurse understands that adherence to medication regimens in patients with BPD is problematic and will tell the spouse:

Select one:

a. “During manic episodes, many patients don’t see the benefit of prophylactic medications.”

b. “Increased gastrointestinal side effects occur over time and reduce compliance.”

c. “Long-term use of lithium causes memory impairment, causing patients to forget to take their medications.”

d. “Patients who are depressed do not want to take their medications.”