A 32-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her family due to 1 week of decreased need for sleep, rapid and pressured speech, grandiosity, and impulsive spending. She has a known history of bipolar disorder. Which medication is the most appropriate initial treatment for acute mania?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The patient is experiencing an acute manic episode. Lithium is a first-line mood stabilizer for acute mania in bipolar disorder. Sertraline (an antidepressant) can precipitate or worsen mania. Lorazepam can help with acute agitation but is not a primary mood stabilizer. Propranolol addresses somatic anxiety symptoms.
📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question
This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 2 CK – Clinical Knowledge topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.
How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.