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 A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A: "Assess the client's need for assistance with ADLS."

Choice A rationale:

Safety is the top priority when caring for a client with major depressive disorder. Assessing the client's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLS) helps determine her level of functioning and any potential risks. Ensuring that the client can meet her basic self-care needs is essential for her well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to create her own schedule of daily activities can be a valuable intervention, but it should come after addressing safety concerns. Choice A takes precedence as it directly relates to the client's immediate well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching the client to use passive communication is not appropriate. Passive communication may hinder the client's ability to express her needs and advocate for herself. Assertive communication skills are more beneficial for her overall mental health.

Choice D rationale:

Isolating the client from unit activities may exacerbate her feelings of depression and loneliness. Encouraging engagement with appropriate unit activities and social interactions can contribute to her sense of belonging and aid in her recovery.

A. The client joined a bowling league 2 months ago. B. The client meets his daughter for dinner every week. C. The client has kept his partner's closet untouched since her death. D. The client exercises at a local health facility 3 days each week.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Joining a bowling league 2 months ago indicates that the client is actively seeking social interactions and engaging in activities. While grief can manifest in various ways, joining a social activity does not necessarily indicate maladaptive grief. It's important for individuals to find ways to connect with others and continue living their lives after the loss of a loved one.

Choice B rationale:

Meeting his daughter for dinner every week demonstrates ongoing communication and emotional connection with family. This behavior suggests a healthy attempt at maintaining relationships and coping with the loss. Regular interactions with family members can be supportive during the grieving process.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping his partner's closet untouched since her death is a sign of maladaptive grief. This behavior suggests an inability to let go of personal belongings and move forward after a significant period of time. In healthy grieving, individuals usually work through their emotions and gradually start reorganizing their living spaces and personal items.

Choice D rationale:

Exercising at a local health facility 3 days each week indicates that the client is engaging in self-care and maintaining physical health. While exercise can be a coping mechanism, this behavior alone does not provide enough evidence to determine whether the client is experiencing maladaptive grief.

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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 planning care for a client newly admitted with major depressive disorder. After ensuring safety, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client whose partner died five years ago. The nurse recognizes that which of the following findings would indicate that the client is experiencing maladaptive grief?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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