A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder.

Exhibits

Select words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

After assessing the client and reviewing the client's medical record, the nurse determines that the client could be experiencing which of the following?

The client could be experiencing

and

.

A. “Taking the medication on an empty stomach will decrease your stomach upset."This is incorrect because taking chlorpromazine on an empty stomach can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and upset. It’s generally recommended to take medications that can irritate the stomach lining with food or milk to help buffer the stomach.

B. “Lie down for 30 minutes after each dose to help prevent stomach upset.”This is not a recommended practice for preventing stomach upset. In fact, lying down immediately after taking medication can increase the risk of esophageal irritation and reflux, especially with certain medications.

C. “Talk to your provider about decreasing your dose of medication.”While discussing medication concerns with a healthcare provider is always a good idea, this response does not directly address the immediate issue of stomach upset. The provider might adjust the dose if necessary, but the primary recommendation for reducing stomach upset would be to take the medication with milk.

D. “Drink a glass of milk with each dose of your medication.”Drinking milk with chlorpromazine can help reduce stomach upset by buffering the stomach lining and reducing irritation. This is a common recommendation for medications that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

A. The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.

Engaging in activities and social interactions can actually be a positive sign, as it suggests involvement and connection with others, which can be protective against suicide.

B. The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.

Identifying with others' problems may indicate empathy, but it is not necessarily indicative of suicide risk on its own.

C. The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.

Explanation: Impulsivity can be a significant risk factor for suicide. A sudden increase in impulsive behavior might indicate that the client is not thinking clearly and is acting without considering the potential consequences. Impulsivity can lead to actions that are harmful or dangerous, including suicidal behaviors.

D. The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.

Expressing a desire to be with loved ones is generally not an indicator of suicide risk. In fact, having a strong support system can be protective against suicidal thoughts.