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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Recent head injury:
A recent head injury is a potential concern when considering the prescription of bupropion. Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, and head injuries might increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, it's important to report a recent head injury to the healthcare provider to assess the client's suitability for bupropion.
B. Hepatitis B infection:
Hepatitis B infection is not a contraindication for bupropion. However, the healthcare provider should be aware of the client's full medical history, including hepatitis B infection, to ensure appropriate monitoring and management, especially if the client is taking other medications or has liver function concerns.
C. Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, is not a contraindication for bupropion. However, the healthcare provider should be aware of this condition to monitor the client appropriately, as thyroid function can influence the metabolism of medications.
D. Knee arthroplasty 1 month ago:
Knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery) performed one month ago is not a direct contraindication for bupropion use. However, the provider should be informed of recent surgeries or procedures, especially if the client is taking medications or undergoing physical therapy, to ensure there are no potential drug interactions or complications related to the recent surgery. It's essential to monitor for signs of infection or other complications post-surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Identify the goals that the client achieved during the relationship:
This activity typically occurs during the termination or closure phase of the nurse-client relationship. It involves reflecting on the progress made by the client toward their goals. During this phase, both the nurse and the client review the goals set at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship and identify which ones have been achieved. This helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions.
B. Assist the client to make changes in her behavior:
This action is a central aspect of the working phase. In this phase, the nurse and client collaboratively work on addressing the client's issues. The nurse provides support, guidance, and appropriate interventions to help the client modify their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal is to facilitate positive changes and promote the client's mental and emotional well-being.
C. Inform the client about confidentiality issues:
Discussing confidentiality is essential at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship, during the orientation phase. The nurse informs the client about the limits of confidentiality, explaining what information will be kept confidential and under what circumstances confidentiality might need to be breached (such as when there is a risk of harm to the client or others). This discussion helps establish trust and clear boundaries within the relationship.
D. Discuss the client's responsibilities for the relationship:
Clarifying the client's responsibilities occurs primarily during the orientation phase. In this phase, the nurse outlines what the client can expect from the therapeutic relationship and what is expected from them. This includes discussing the client's active participation in the process, their commitment to attending sessions, being open and honest, and actively engaging in therapeutic activities and homework assignments.
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