Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Lithium is frequently used as a first-line treatment for acute mania, particularly in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It acts as a mood stabilizer and helps to reduce the symptoms of mania, such as elevated mood, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Lithium's mechanism involves modulating neurotransmitter release and signaling, which contributes to stabilizing mood and reducing manic episodes.

While other medications listed can also be used in treating mood disorders, they are primarily used for different indications. For example, Fluoxetine and Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) generally prescribed for depressive episodes and anxiety disorders, not typically for acute mania. Haloperidol, an antipsychotic, can be used in the management of acute agitation and psychosis, but it is not the first-line treatment for acute mania compared to lithium. Therefore, lithium is recognized as the most effective medication for managing acute manic episodes.