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.”

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Telling the parents that they should not feel guilty might invalidate their emotions and discourage open communication. It's essential to acknowledge their feelings and address them empathetically.

Choice B rationale:

This choice demonstrates therapeutic communication and empathy. It encourages the parents to express their feelings, and the nurse is offering to listen and explore the reasons behind their guilt.

Choice C rationale:

This statement seems confrontational and may discourage the parents from sharing their emotions openly. Asking why they feel guilty immediately might put them on the defensive.

Choice D rationale:

While this statement acknowledges the difficulty of the situation, it ends with a premature reassurance that may not be well-received. The parents need space to discuss their feelings before focusing on the future.

A. "Why did you make the choice to behave negatively?” B. "You need to calm down and forgive me before discussing this matter any further.” C. "You were made aware of the consequences of negative behavior so you better go to your room.” D. "I understand that you are angry. However, I followed the appropriate protocol.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This response uses a confrontational tone and places blame on the client for their behavior, which is not an example of assertive communication. It can potentially escalate the situation and hinder effective communication.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is authoritarian in nature, using phrases like "you need to" and "forgive me," which can further upset the client and create a power struggle. It lacks empathy and understanding, making it ineffective for assertive communication.

Choice C rationale:

While this response acknowledges the consequences of the client's negative behavior, it uses commanding language ("you better go to your room"), which can be perceived as aggressive and may escalate the situation instead of facilitating effective communication.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is the most effective example of assertive communication. It acknowledges the client's feelings ("I understand that you are angry") while also asserting the nurse's adherence to protocol. This response demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the client's emotions in a non-confrontational manner.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. The client's parents are tearful and express feelings of guilt. Which of the following is an appropriate statement by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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