A nurse is preparing to administer haloperidol 5 mg IM to a client. The amount available is haloperidol 20 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

(Round the answer to the nearest hundredth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach."

Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Instructing the client to take it on an empty stomach would be incorrect.

B. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea."

Diarrhea is not typically a reason to stop lithium therapy. However, persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect lithium levels. It's essential for the client to report persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

C. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication."

A low-salt diet is not typically recommended with lithium therapy. In fact, lithium can cause sodium depletion, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate salt intake unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

D. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."

This statement is correct. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure the medication's effectiveness and prevent toxicity. Initially, frequent monitoring is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage and assess for any signs of toxicity. Weekly blood level checks during the first month of therapy are common practice.

Answer: D. "I’ll take this medicine first thing in the morning."

A. "I should expect to feel better after 24 hours of starting this medication."
This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the medication's pharmacodynamics. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), generally requires a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to exhibit therapeutic effects in treating depression. Clients may initially experience side effects, such as nausea or changes in sleep patterns, before noticing any improvement in mood. It's crucial to educate clients about this timeline to manage expectations and encourage adherence to the medication regimen.

B. "I should not take this medicine with grapefruit juice."
This statement is incorrect. While grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of many medications due to its action on cytochrome P450 enzymes, fluoxetine is not significantly impacted by grapefruit juice. Therefore, clients can consume grapefruit juice without the risk of altering the effectiveness or safety of fluoxetine. Providing accurate dietary information is essential to ensure clients feel confident in their dietary choices while on medication.

C. "I’ll take this medicine with food."
While clients may take fluoxetine with food to help minimize potential gastrointestinal upset, it is not strictly necessary. The medication can be effective whether taken with or without food. This flexibility allows clients to choose the method that works best for their individual tolerance and lifestyle, which can improve adherence and comfort.

D. "I’ll take this medicine first thing in the morning."
This is the correct understanding. Taking fluoxetine in the morning is generally recommended because the medication can cause insomnia or increased alertness in some individuals, particularly when initiated. By taking it in the morning, clients can avoid potential sleep disturbances at night, which is important for maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle and overall well-being. Additionally, consistent timing can help improve adherence to the treatment plan.