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 D

Explanation

The correct answer is D:

Choice A reason: “If a dose is missed, double the next dose of medication.” This statement is incorrect. Doubling up on a dose can lead to an overdose and serious side effects. Patients are advised to take the missed dose as soon as they remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose.

Choice B reason: “This medication may increase your blood pressure.” Alprazolam is known to have a sedative effect, which can lower blood pressure rather than increase it. Therefore, this statement is not typically accurate.

Choice C reason: “Do not eat aged cheeses while taking this medication.” This dietary restriction is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are a different class of medications used to treat depression. Alprazolam does not interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, so this statement is not applicable.

Choice D reason: “Use a dependable form of contraception while taking this medication.” Alprazolam falls under FDA Pregnancy Category D, which means there is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite the risks. Therefore, it is important to use reliable contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

A. "You should not feel guilty about your daughter's diagnosis. Schizophrenia is unpreventable.” B. "You said that you feel guilty about your daughter's diagnosis. Let's talk about what is causing you to feel this way.” C. "Your provider has explained the causes of schizophrenia. Why do you feel guilty about your daughter's diagnosis?” D. "I'm sure your daughter's diagnosis is very difficult to deal with, but everything will be all right once she receives the proper treatment.”

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.

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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 teaching a female client who has an anxiety disorder and is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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