A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

"Are you thinking of harming yourself?"

"Do you really think your family would be better off without you?"

"When did you first start feeling this way?"

"Tell me what is happening right now."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?": Correct

This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client's statement about being better off gone, which raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. Asking this question allows the nurse to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.

B. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?": Incorrect

While this response attempts to engage the client in a conversation, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. It's important to prioritize assessing the client's safety before exploring their feelings about their family's perspective.

C. "When did you first start feeling this way?": Incorrect

While understanding the client's history and the onset of their feelings is important, it's not the priority response in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of harm takes precedence over gathering historical information.

D. "Tell me what is happening right now.": Incorrect

This response doesn't directly address the client's statement about being better off gone and doesn't assess the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide. While understanding the client's current situation is valuable, safety concerns should be addressed first.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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. Padding side rails to prevent injury. B. Applying a cooling blanket. C. Administering an anticonvulsant. D. Preparing for artificial ventilation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

While preventing injury is important, it is not the highest priority when the client's respiratory and neurological functions are compromised. Managing the client's breathing takes precedence.

B. Applying a cooling blanket.

While hyperthermia (high fever) is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, the immediate concern is ensuring the client's breathing and neurological stability. Cooling measures can be beneficial, but they come after addressing the more critical issues.

C. Administering an anticonvulsant.

While anticonvulsants might be used to control seizures, preparing for artificial ventilation takes priority, as the client's airway and oxygenation must be secured before addressing other symptoms.

D. Preparing for artificial ventilation.

Explanation: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the body, often resulting from interactions between medications that affect serotonin levels. Severe manifestations of serotonin syndrome can include high fever, muscle rigidity, agitation, seizures, and even coma. In cases of severe serotonin syndrome, the client's neurological and respiratory functions can be compromised, making it crucial to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

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A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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