A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder type I begins to develop diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Which action should the registered nurse take?
Select one:
Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional doses for 3 days.
Notify the health care provider immediately and give 4 liters of fluids.
Prior to giving the next dose, notify the health care provider of these symptoms and hold the next dose until new orders from provider.
Document the client's symptoms and continue with medication as prescribed.
The Correct Answer is C
Diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness are potential signs of lithium toxicity, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If a client who is being treated with lithium carbonate develops these symptoms, the nurse should notify the health care provider immediately and hold the next dose of medication until new orders are received from the provider.
Option a. Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional doses for 3 days is not an appropriate action because it does not involve notifying the health care provider or obtaining new orders.
Option b. Notify the health care provider immediately and give 4 liters of fluids is not an appropriate action because it involves administering fluids without obtaining orders from the health care provider.
Option d. Document the client’s symptoms and continue with medication as prescribed is not an appropriate action because it does not involve notifying the health care provider or holding the next dose of medication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Buspirone and benzodiazepines are both medications used to treat anxiety disorders, but they work in different ways. Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which can produce a sense of relaxation and calmness. However, benzodiazepines can also cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when used for a prolonged period.
On the other hand, buspirone works by binding to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which can reduce anxiety. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms, which makes it a safer option for long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.
Therefore, the healthcare provider may have prescribed buspirone instead of alprazolam because it is a safer alternative for long-term use, especially for individuals who have a history of substance abuse or dependence. The nurse should explain the benefits of buspirone and address any concerns the client may have about the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Involuntary hospitalization for mental illness is typically reserved for situations where an individual poses an immediate danger to themselves or others due to a severe mental illness. In option A, the individual is experiencing command hallucinations, which are often a symptom of a severe mental illness such as schizophrenia. The fact that they want to hurt their neighbor is a clear indication that they pose a danger to others and require emergency intervention.
Option B may indicate a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but it does not necessarily pose an immediate danger to the individual or others.
Option C may indicate a relapse in addiction, but again, it does not necessarily pose an immediate danger to the individual or others.
Option D may indicate a need for follow-up and intervention, but it does not indicate an immediate danger to the individual or others.
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