A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and notices changes in the client’s behavior.
Which of the following behaviors is the nurse’s priority to report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

Psychomotor retardation is a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. In fact, individuals with hypomania typically exhibit psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by increased energy and activity levels.

Psychomotor retardation often manifests as slowed movements, speech, and thought processes. It can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions.

While psychomotor retardation can occur in various mental health conditions, it is not typically associated with hypomania.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased self-esteem is also a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. Individuals with hypomania typically experience inflated self-esteem and grandiosity.

They may overestimate their abilities, make unrealistic plans, or engage in risky behaviors. This inflated sense of self-worth is often a hallmark feature of hypomania and can contribute to impaired judgment and decision-making.

Choice C rationale:

Euphoria is a hallmark symptom of hypomania. It is characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is persistent and noticeable to others.

Individuals with euphoria often feel excessively happy, cheerful, or optimistic. They may have increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a heightened sense of well-being.

They may also be more talkative, outgoing, and engage in pleasurable activities more often.

This elevated mood is a core feature of hypomania and is often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and impulsivity.

Choice D rationale:

Hallucinations are not a typical feature of hypomania. They are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.

While hallucinations can occur in some individuals with hypomania, they are not a defining feature of the condition

Rationale for Choice A:

Diuretics are not routinely prescribed with lithium. While diuretics can increase the excretion of lithium, this can also lead to decreased lithium levels and potentially reduced effectiveness. Therefore, diuretics are generally only used in specific situations, such as when a client has lithium-induced edema or congestive heart failure. In such cases, the client's lithium levels would be closely monitored to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range.

Rationale for Choice B:

Weight gain is not a common manifestation of lithium toxicity. In fact, weight gain is a potential side effect of lithium therapy, but it is not typically associated with lithium levels reaching a toxic range. Other signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity include:

Tremor

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Confusion

Slurred speech

Ataxia

Seizures

Coma

Rationale for Choice C:

Monitoring lithium levels is essential to ensure that the client is receiving a therapeutic dose and to avoid toxicity. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that there is a small difference between the dose that is effective and the dose that is toxic. Regularly checking lithium levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the dose as needed to maintain a safe and effective level.

The initial lithium level is typically checked within 3 to 5 days of starting the medication, and then periodically thereafter.

The frequency of monitoring may vary depending on the client's individual factors, such as age, kidney function, and other medications they are taking.

Rationale for Choice D:

Lithium is not typically discontinued after a specific period of time. It is often used as a long-term treatment for bipolar disorder to prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes. The decision to discontinue lithium is made on a caseby-case basis, in consultation with the client and their healthcare provider.