A nurse in a community mental health clinic is assessing a client who began taking lithium carbonate 5 days ago. The client reports fine hand tremors and has a current lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors.

Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose

Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage.

Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.

B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.

C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.

D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Buprenorphine:
Buprenorphine is a medication used in the treatment of opioid dependence. It acts on the same receptors in the brain as opioids, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in individuals recovering from opioid addiction. It is not typically used for alcohol withdrawal.

B. Naltrexone:
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. It works by blocking the effects of endorphins, the body's natural opioids. In the context of alcohol dependence, it reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol and decreases the craving for alcohol. Naltrexone can be prescribed for individuals experiencing acute manifestations of alcohol withdrawal as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

C. Disulfiram:
Disulfiram is a medication that causes unpleasant symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and flushing) when alcohol is consumed. It works as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from drinking alcohol by creating a negative reaction. Disulfiram is used as a part of comprehensive alcohol treatment programs to help maintain abstinence. It is not typically used for acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

D. Bupropion:
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that is also used to aid smoking cessation. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. While it is not used specifically for alcohol withdrawal, individuals with alcohol dependence often have higher rates of tobacco use. Bupropion might be prescribed to address both smoking cessation and depressive symptoms in individuals with alcohol dependence, but it does not directly address alcohol withdrawal.

A. Recommend that the client participate in more solitary activities. B. Explain to the client that the duration of grief is highly variable and can last for years. C. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the events surrounding the sibling's death. D. Caution the client against feeling angry at the sibling.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Recommend that the client participate in more solitary activities.
This option is not suitable because encouraging solitary activities may lead to further isolation, which can worsen the client's depressive feelings. Social support and connection are often crucial during the grieving process.

B. Explain to the client that the duration of grief is highly variable and can last for years.
This is the correct choice. Grief is a complex and individual process, and there is no specific timeline for how long it should last. Some people may continue to experience feelings of sadness and loss for an extended period after the death of a loved one. Validating the client's emotions and letting them know that their experience is within the range of normal can be comforting.

C. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the events surrounding the sibling's death.
This option is not recommended. Encouraging the client to avoid discussing their feelings can hinder the healing process. Open communication about the loss can help the client process their emotions and find ways to cope.

D. Caution the client against feeling angry at the sibling.
This option is not appropriate. Allowing the client to express their feelings, including anger, is a healthy part of the grieving process. Suppressing emotions, including anger, can lead to complications in the grieving process. It is essential to acknowledge and validate all the client's emotions.

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A nurse in a community mental health clinic is assessing a client who began taking lithium carbonate 5 days ago. The client reports fine hand tremors and has a current lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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