A patient has been started on valproic acid for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The nurse should instruct the patient to do which of the following?
Explanation
• Valproic acid is in pregnancy category D and has been linked to birth defects.
• Incorrect: Weight gain and headaches are common side effects of valproic acid but are not contraindications. Never instruct a patient to stop taking a medication without talking to the physician first.
• Incorrect: Photosensitivity is not a known adverse reaction to valproic acid.