The drug used for mood stabilization is?

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

Lithium carbonate is a first-line mood-stabilizing agent, primarily indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
It is effective in managing acute manic episodes and as a long-term maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of both manic and depressive episodes.
Lithium works by altering sodium ion transport in nerve cells, which in turn modulates the metabolism of neurotransmitters like catecholamines and serotonin.
Due to its narrow therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), regular monitoring of serum levels is critical to prevent toxicity.

Option A: Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, not a mood stabilizer. Its primary use is to relieve symptoms of allergies.
Option B: Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. While it affects mood, it is a substance of abuse and not a prescribed medication for mood stabilization. Its use can exacerbate mood disorders.
Option C: Penicillin is an antibiotic from the beta-lactam class used to treat bacterial infections. It has no psychiatric or mood-stabilizing effects.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological treatment for mood disorders, specifically the identification of a mood-stabilizing agent helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a vital role in educating patients about the importance of regular blood tests to monitor lithium levels due to its narrow therapeutic index.
Patient teaching must emphasize maintaining a consistent sodium and fluid intake (e.g., 2-3 liters per day) because dehydration or low sodium can cause lithium retention and toxicity.
It is a critical nursing responsibility to instruct patients and their families to recognize and immediately report early signs of toxicity, such as coarse tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key therapeutic action requested in the question, which is 'mood stabilization'.
Next, analyze each drug option and recall its primary pharmacological class and use.
Classify Chlorpheniramine as an antihistamine.
Classify Alcohol as a CNS depressant and substance of abuse, not a therapeutic agent.
Classify Penicillin as an antibiotic.
Identify Lithium carbonate as a well-known mood stabilizer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological treatment for mood disorders, specifically the identification of a mood-stabilizing agent.
Stem keywords: drug, mood stabilization
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full CGHS SSC - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.