New Zealand State Nursing Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Sodium valproate is recognized as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and is effective in preventing the extreme mood swings associated with this condition. Sodium valproate can help reduce both manic and depressive episodes, making it a valuable alternative to lithium for patients who may not tolerate lithium well or for whom lithium is ineffective.

In contrast, the other medications listed serve different primary roles. Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic that primarily targets psychotic symptoms rather than mood stabilization. Fluoxetine and sertraline are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While they can help alleviate depressive symptoms, they are not classified as mood stabilizers in the same way sodium valproate and lithium are.