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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
In this scenario, the client has expressed a serious threat to harm someone, which triggers a healthcare provider's duty to warn law. The nurse appropriately informed the healthcare provider, who then informed their boss, to protect the potential victim from harm. This action is not a violation of privacy or confidentiality, as it is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of others.
Therefore, no disciplinary action is required for the nurse or the healthcare provider, as they acted in accordance with their professional and legal obligations to protect the safety of others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Chronic anxiety is a persistent feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can interfere with daily life. To manage chronic anxiety, the client needs to identify anxiety-producing situations that trigger their symptoms. This can help the client avoid or cope better with these situations. It is important to note that it is not always possible to eliminate stress and anxiety from daily life, so it is better to focus on managing it effectively.
Trying to repress feelings of anxiety is not a helpful strategy and can make the client's symptoms worse in the long run. Repressing emotions can lead to feelings of frustration, irritability, and even physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle tension.
Contacting the crisis counselor once a week may be helpful for some clients, but it is not a standard recommendation for all clients with chronic anxiety. The discharge plan should include personalized recommendations that are tailored to the client's specific needs and circumstances.
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