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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to tell the voices to leave them alone oversimplifies the situation. It disregards the distress and lack of control that individuals with schizophrenia often experience when hearing voices. This response may also imply that the client has complete control over the voices, which is not accurate.
Choice B rationale:
Denying the existence of the voices contradicts the client's experience and could lead to further distrust between the client and nurse. Acknowledging the client's feelings and experiences is essential for building rapport and understanding in a therapeutic relationship.
Choice C rationale:
This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's experience and seeks to understand the content and nature of the voices. It demonstrates empathy and encourages open communication, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client why they think they are hearing the voices might be interpreted as confrontational or judgmental. It could make the client defensive and hinder open communication. Instead, focusing on the content of the voices allows the nurse to gain insight into the client's experiences without placing blame.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sweating is not an adverse effect commonly associated with buspirone (Buspar). While some side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headache might occur, sweating is not typically reported as a significant adverse effect of this medication.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased appetite is a potential adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). However, it is not the most concerning in this context. Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder can lead to appetite changes, and while this should be monitored, it is not a priority compared to more severe adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Discolored urine is not a common adverse effect of buspirone (Buspar). Buspirone is primarily used to treat anxiety and does not usually cause changes in urine color. This effect is unrelated to the medication and likely has a different underlying cause.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations are a concerning adverse effect that should be reported to the provider. Hallucinations are not a typical side effect of buspirone and might indicate a more serious issue or an interaction with other medications. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
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