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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Correct) Severe anxiety can lead to a fight-or-flight response, which might manifest as aggressive behavior. The individual might feel threatened and react defensively, potentially displaying aggressive actions to protect themselves.
Choice B rationale:
Attention-seeking conduct is less likely to be a primary manifestation of severe anxiety. While individuals with anxiety might seek reassurance or attention, the level of anxiety described here is more likely to evoke a defensive response rather than attention-seeking behavior.
Choice C rationale:
Mild fidgeting can be a manifestation of anxiety, but in the context of severe anxiety, the physical symptoms are often more pronounced, including restlessness, trembling, and muscle tension.
Choice D rationale:
Mild difficulty problem-solving is less likely to be a prominent manifestation of severe anxiety. Severe anxiety tends to affect the individual's ability to function and cope, leading to more intense and immediate reactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Suspended from school several times in the past year.
Choice A rationale:
The client's father's recent death (Choice A) is not a typical expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. While emotional disturbances can be associated with conduct disorder, the primary characteristics involve behavioral issues rather than reactions to significant life events.
Choice B rationale:
Adhering strictly to routines (Choice B) is not a common expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is characterized by patterns of defiant and disruptive behaviors, not necessarily a rigid adherence to routines.
Choice C rationale:
Suspended from school several times in the past year (Choice C) aligns with the expected assessment findings of conduct disorder. Conduct disorder often involves aggressive behavior towards others, violation of rules, and disregard for the rights of others, which can lead to disciplinary actions such as school suspensions.
Choice D rationale:
Experiencing frequent facial tics (Choice D) is not a typical expected assessment finding of conduct disorder. Facial tics are associated with conditions like Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders, not conduct disorder.
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