A nurse is collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder with mania.
Which finding is the nurse’s priority?
The client gives personal items and money away to other clients.
The client is hostile and sarcastic towards the staff.
The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.
The client demonstrates flight of ideas.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. The client paces in the hallway during the day and most of the night.
Choice A rationale: Giving away personal items and money can indicate impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common in manic episodes. However, this behavior does not pose an immediate physical risk to the client or others.
Choice B rationale: Hostility and sarcasm towards staff can indicate irritability and agitation, which are also common in mania. While this behavior can disrupt the therapeutic environment, it is not the highest priority unless it escalates to physical aggression.
Choice C rationale: Pacing in the hallway during the day and most of the night indicates severe hyperactivity and potential exhaustion. This behavior poses a significant risk to the client’s physical health due to the possibility of dehydration, exhaustion, and other complications from lack of rest.
Choice D rationale: Demonstrating flight of ideas is a cognitive symptom of mania where the client rapidly shifts from one idea to another. While this can affect communication and thought processes, it does not pose an immediate physical risk.
In summary, the priority is to address behaviors that pose the greatest immediate risk to the client’s physical health and safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
I will contact my provider if I have difficulty urinating.
Chlorpromazine has anticholinergic effects, which can cause urinary retention. This means the medication can interfere with the normal function of the bladder, making it difficult to empty completely. Difficulty urinating can lead to bladder distention, urinary tract infections, and even kidney damage if left untreated.
It's crucial for the client to recognize this potential side effect and seek medical attention promptly if it occurs. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure proper bladder management.
By understanding this potential side effect and the importance of seeking help, the client demonstrates a grasp of the teaching provided.
Choice B rationale:
I might notice an increased frequency of my menstrual cycle.
Chlorpromazine does not typically affect menstrual frequency. While some antipsychotic medications can cause menstrual irregularities, chlorpromazine is not commonly associated with this effect.
If a client experiences changes in their menstrual cycle while taking chlorpromazine, it's important to discuss it with their healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes.
Choice C rationale:
These medications might cause breast tissue to atrophy.
Chlorpromazine is not known to cause breast atrophy. Breast atrophy, or shrinkage of breast tissue, can occur due to hormonal changes, aging, or certain medical conditions.
However, it's not a common side effect of chlorpromazine.
Choice D rationale:
I am at a decreased risk for infection while taking these medications.
Chlorpromazine does not decrease the risk of infection. In fact, it may slightly increase the risk of infection due to its potential to suppress the immune system.
It's essential for clients taking chlorpromazine to practice good hygiene and infection prevention measures to protect themselves from illness.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Seizures are a potentially serious complication of alcohol withdrawal. They occur due to the sudden decrease in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that has inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to an upregulation of GABA receptors in the brain to compensate for the depressant effects of alcohol. When alcohol is abruptly withdrawn, the brain is left in a hyperexcitable state, as there is less GABA to suppress neuronal activity. This hyperexcitability can manifest as seizures.
Mechanism of seizures in alcohol withdrawal:
Neuroadaptation: Chronic alcohol exposure leads to adaptations in neuronal excitability to counteract the depressant effects of alcohol. These adaptations include:
Upregulation of GABA receptors: The brain increases the number of GABA receptors to enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA.
Downregulation of glutamate receptors: The brain decreases the number of glutamate receptors to reduce the excitatory effects of glutamate.
GABA rebound: When alcohol is abruptly withdrawn, the upregulated GABA receptors become hypersensitive, leading to an excessive inhibitory response. This is known as GABA rebound.
Glutamate rebound: Concurrently, the downregulated glutamate receptors become more sensitive, leading to an enhanced excitatory response. This is known as glutamate rebound.
Imbalance: The combination of GABA rebound (excessive inhibition) and glutamate rebound (excessive excitation) creates a state of neuronal hyperexcitability, which can trigger seizures.
Risk factors for seizures in alcohol withdrawal:
Severity of alcohol dependence: Individuals with a long history of heavy alcohol consumption are at higher risk.
Previous alcohol withdrawal seizures: A history of seizures during past withdrawal episodes increases the likelihood of recurrence.
Comorbid medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as electrolyte imbalances, head injuries, or infections, can increase the risk of seizures.
Concurrent medication use: Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates, can lower the seizure threshold.
Management of seizures in alcohol withdrawal:
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are the mainstay of treatment for alcohol withdrawal seizures. They enhance the effects of GABA, helping to suppress neuronal excitability and prevent seizures.
Anticonvulsants: In some cases, anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or valproate, may be used in addition to benzodiazepines.
Electrolyte replacement: Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia or hypomagnesemia, can contribute to seizures and should be corrected.
Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs, neurological status, and seizure activity is essential to ensure prompt intervention if seizures occur.
Choice B rationale:
Nystagmus, or involuntary eye movements, is not a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. While it can occur in some cases, it is not considered a primary feature of the syndrome.
Choice C rationale:
Tremors are a very common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. They are caused by the same underlying mechanism as seizures, namely, the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system due to decreased GABA activity. Tremors typically manifest as shaking hands, arms, or legs, and can range in severity from mild to severe.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations, both auditory and visual, can occur in alcohol withdrawal. They are thought to be due to a combination of factors, including the hyperexcitability of the central nervous system, disruptions in neurotransmitter systems, and sleep deprivation. Hallucinations can be very distressing and can lead to agitation, confusion, and disorientation.
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