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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Disulfiram is a medication used in the treatment of alcohol addiction. It works by causing unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, when alcohol is consumed. This medication is only effective if the client abstains from alcohol consumption while taking it. If the client consumes alcohol while taking disulfiram, they will experience severe adverse effects, including nausea and vomiting, which can be a sign of a severe reaction. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to suspect that the client's distress is likely caused by consuming alcohol while taking disulfiram.
Option a is incorrect because nausea and vomiting are not common side effects of disulfiram.
Option c is incorrect because the question does not provide any information suggesting an allergic reaction.
Option d is incorrect because an overdose of disulfiram would not likely cause nausea and vomiting as severe as those reported by the client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This response is appropriate because it seeks clarification and more information to help the nurse better understand the patient's statement. By asking for an example, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the patient's experience and identify appropriate interventions to help the patient manage their anxiety.
Option b is not an appropriate response as it does not seek clarification and instead asks the patient to repeat themselves.
Option c is partially appropriate but could be improved by asking more specific questions to help the patient articulate their feelings and needs.
Option d is not an appropriate response as it dismisses the patient's feelings and may cause the patient to feel unsupported and isolated.
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