A nurse is preparing to teach a client about the prescription of lithium (Eskalith) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach.”
"You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication.”
"You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month.”
"You will need to stop this medication if you develop severe diarrhea.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Ingesting lithium (Eskalith) on an empty stomach can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, clients are generally advised to take this medication with food or milk to minimize these side effects. This choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
While sodium intake can impact lithium levels, clients are usually advised to maintain a consistent, moderate sodium intake rather than adopting a low-salt diet. Extreme dietary changes can affect lithium levels and potentially lead to toxicity, making this choice inaccurate.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring blood levels of lithium is crucial to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and prevent toxicity. During the initiation phase, frequent monitoring, typically weekly, is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage for each individual. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and blood levels need to be closely regulated.
Choice D rationale:
Discontinuing lithium abruptly can lead to worsened bipolar symptoms. Diarrhea can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, potentially impacting lithium levels, but stopping the medication is not the initial action to take. Adjustments in dosage or management strategies are usually explored before considering discontinuation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Current rehabilitation for opiate addiction is not typically associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is primarily linked to chronic alcohol abuse and thiamine deficiency.
Choice B rationale:
A personal history of alcohol use disorder is directly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome is caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which is commonly seen in individuals who have a history of heavy and chronic alcohol consumption.
Choice C rationale:
Undergoing current treatment for HIV is not a typical factor associated with the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome's primary cause is thiamine deficiency resulting from alcohol misuse.
Choice D rationale:
Family history of Alzheimer's disease is not a characteristic linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. These two conditions have different etiologies and clinical presentations. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by thiamine deficiency, while Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: A, B, C, D.
Choice A reason: Shortening a reading activity when the child appears to become frustrated can help prevent the child from becoming overwhelmed and acting out. This is a common strategy used in managing children with conduct disorders.
Choice B reason: Introducing humor during interactions with the child can help build rapport and make the child feel more comfortable. It can also serve as a positive distraction and reduce tension.
Choice C reason: Redirecting with physical activities when the child’s disruptive behavior begins can serve as a healthy outlet for the child’s energy and frustrations. Physical activities can also help improve the child’s mood and reduce disruptive behaviors.
Choice D reason: Explaining to the child the importance of picking up crayons when thrown on the floor can help teach the child responsibility and respect for their environment. This can also be a part of behavioral therapy where the child learns about consequences of their actions.
Choice E reason: Placing the child in a vest restraint when disruptive behavior occurs is not recommended. Using physical restraints can be traumatizing and should only be used as a last resort when the child’s behavior poses a risk to themselves or others. It’s always better to use de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement to manage disruptive behavior.
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