A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has recently started taking lamotrigine as part of their medication regimen. Which of the following would be an essential teaching point to include regarding the medication?

Choice A reason: Decreasing bright lights is not the first action that the nurse should perform because it does not address the priority problem of potential infection and inflammation of the meninges, which can cause serious complications such as brain damage or deatH. Decreasing bright lights can help reduce photophobia and headache, but it is not an urgent intervention.

Choice B reason: Initiating IV access is not the first action that the nurse should perform because it does not address the priority problem of potential infection and inflammation of the meninges, which can cause serious complications such as brain damage or deatH. Initiating IV access can facilitate fluid and medication administration, but it is not an immediate intervention.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is not the first action that the nurse should perform because it requires a physician's order and confirmation of the diagnosis and causative organism by laboratory tests such as blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Administering antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis, but it is not a priority intervention.

Choice D reason: Implementing droplet precautions is the first action that the nurse should perform because it addresses the priority problem of potential infection and inflammation of the meninges, which can cause serious complications such as brain damage or deatH. Implementing droplet precautions can prevent transmission of meningitis to other clients or staff, as meningitis can be spread by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talkinG.

Choice A reason: "Move objects away from the client." This instruction should be included in the teaching because it can prevent injury and protect the client from harm during a seizurE.

Choice B reason: "Restrain the client." This instruction should not be included in the teaching because it can cause injury and increase agitation and anxiety for the client during a seizurE.

Choice C reason: "Place the client on his back." This instruction should not be included in the teaching because it can increase the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction for the client during a seizurE.

Choice D reason: "Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's moutH." This instruction should not be included in the teaching because it can cause injury and choking for the client during a seizurE.