A client becomes very dejected and states, "No one really cares what happens to me. Life isn't worth living anymore." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct answer: A

A. A client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon:

Explanation:Exercise, especially vigorous exercise like running, can increase sweating, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration can decrease lithium excretion, potentially resulting in higher lithium levels in the bloodstream and an increased risk of toxicity. Therefore, this factor puts the client at risk for lithium toxicity.

B. The client eats 2 to 3 gm of sodium-containing foods daily:

Explanation:Sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body. High sodium levels in the blood can decrease lithium reabsorption by the kidneys, leading to increased lithium excretion and lower lithium levels in the bloodstream. This does not put the client at direct risk for lithium toxicity. In fact, consuming sodium-containing foods may help mitigate the risk of lithium toxicity.

C. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily:

Explanation: Adequate fluid intake is generally important, but it is not a direct risk factor for lithium toxicity. In fact, staying hydrated can be beneficial for overall health and proper kidney function, which plays a role in lithium excretion.

D. The client eats foods high in tyramine:

Explanation: Foods high in tyramine are a concern when taking certain classes of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Lithium does not interact with tyramine-containing foods in the same way. Tyramine-rich foods are associated with a "cheese effect" when combined with MAOIs, but this is not relevant to lithium toxicity.

A. The client is unwilling to accept that treatment is needed.

This alone may not be sufficient to keep the client under a 72-hour hold. While a person's refusal to accept treatment may indicate a need for care, it might not meet the criteria for involuntary commitment unless there is an immediate danger to the individual or others.

B. The client states that she does not like the neighbor.

Disliking a neighbor is not typically a sufficient reason to place someone under a 72-hour psychiatric hold. The criteria for involuntary commitment usually revolve around a person's potential to harm themselves or others due to their mental state.

C. The client is a danger to herself or others.

Explanation:

In many jurisdictions, a 72-hour psychiatric hold, also known as an involuntary psychiatric hold or emergency detention, allows mental health professionals to detain a person who is considered a danger to themselves or others due to their mental condition. This is done to ensure the safety of the individual and those around them. The hold provides a brief period during which a psychiatric assessment can be conducted to determine the appropriate course of action for the person's mental health treatment.

D. The client states that she plans to move out of the state immediately.

While this statement might raise concerns about the client's stability, it generally would not meet the criteria for a 72-hour hold unless there is clear evidence that the client's immediate move would pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others. The hold is more focused on imminent danger rather than potential future actions.