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
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. Binge eating refers to the consumption of an abnormally large amount of food within a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control overeating. After bingeing, individuals with bulimia nervosa feel guilty, ashamed, and anxious about their behavior, and try to compensate by purging.
Options a, c, and d are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the characteristic features of bulimia nervosa.
Avoiding social gatherings and family meals is a characteristic of social anxiety disorder, not bulimia nervosa. Restricting caloric intake all the time is a characteristic of anorexia nervosa, a different type of eating disorder. Following a strict diet and exercise program is not necessarily a characteristic of bulimia nervosa, although some individuals with bulimia nervosa may engage in excessive exercise as a compensatory behavior.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Taking other CNS depressants such as opioids or sedatives along with lorazepam can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, and other serious side effects. It is crucial for patients to avoid these medications while taking lorazepam.
Reporting insomnia is important, but it is not the most critical teaching for this medication. Eating a tyramine-free diet is not relevant to lorazepam use.
Adjusting the dose and frequency based on anxiety level is not recommended as it can lead to misuse or dependence on the medication. It is important to take lorazepam only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
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