A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about a new prescription for lithium.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Your provider will prescribe a diuretic while you are taking lithium.

Weight gain is a manifestation of lithium toxicity.

We will need to check your lithium levels in the next 3 to 5 days.

Your lithium will be discontinued in 6 months to prevent addiction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale for Choice A:

Diuretics are not routinely prescribed with lithium. While diuretics can increase the excretion of lithium, this can also lead to decreased lithium levels and potentially reduced effectiveness. Therefore, diuretics are generally only used in specific situations, such as when a client has lithium-induced edema or congestive heart failure. In such cases, the client's lithium levels would be closely monitored to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range.

Rationale for Choice B:

Weight gain is not a common manifestation of lithium toxicity. In fact, weight gain is a potential side effect of lithium therapy, but it is not typically associated with lithium levels reaching a toxic range. Other signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity include:

Tremor

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Confusion

Slurred speech

Ataxia

Seizures

Coma

Rationale for Choice C:

Monitoring lithium levels is essential to ensure that the client is receiving a therapeutic dose and to avoid toxicity. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that there is a small difference between the dose that is effective and the dose that is toxic. Regularly checking lithium levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the dose as needed to maintain a safe and effective level.

The initial lithium level is typically checked within 3 to 5 days of starting the medication, and then periodically thereafter.

The frequency of monitoring may vary depending on the client's individual factors, such as age, kidney function, and other medications they are taking.

Rationale for Choice D:

Lithium is not typically discontinued after a specific period of time. It is often used as a long-term treatment for bipolar disorder to prevent the recurrence of manic and depressive episodes. The decision to discontinue lithium is made on a caseby-case basis, in consultation with the client and their healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While group activities can be beneficial for some clients with bipolar disorder, they may not be appropriate during a manic phase. This is because group settings can be overstimulating and overwhelming for individuals experiencing mania. The increased activity and social interaction can exacerbate symptoms such as racing thoughts, pressured speech, and impulsivity.

It's crucial to prioritize calming activities and minimize external stimuli during manic episodes.

Choice C rationale:

Providing a stimulating environment is not recommended for clients in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. A stimulating environment can worsen symptoms of mania, such as:

Increased energy and activity levels

Racing thoughts

Impulsivity

Distractibility

Risk-taking behavior

Irritability

Aggression

Decreased need for sleep Grandiose thinking

Poor judgment

Hypersexuality

A calm and structured environment is more conducive to managing manic symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Scheduling daily seclusion times is not a standard intervention for clients in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Seclusion is a restrictive intervention that should only be used as a last resort when a client is at risk of harming themselves or others. It's essential to explore less restrictive alternatives for managing manic symptoms, such as medication, therapy, and environmental modifications.

A. Stating that he wants to be with his peers more than with his parents. B. Telling his parents that he doesn’t want to talk about the attempt. C. Preferring to eat his meals while watching TV. D. Planning to give his CD collection to his girlfriend.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Planning to give away prized possessions is a significant warning sign of potential suicide. This behavior often signals that the individual is preparing for death and believes they will no longer need those items. It's a concerning indication that they may have made a decision to end their life and are putting their affairs in order.

Here's a detailed breakdown of why this behavior is so concerning:

Final Arrangements: Giving away cherished belongings suggests a sense of finality and a belief that there's no future to look forward to. It's a way of detaching from material possessions and preparing for a perceived ending.

Loss of Interest: When someone loses interest in activities or items they previously valued, it can reflect a profound loss of hope and a withdrawal from life. This detachment is often a feature of suicidal ideation.

Saying Goodbye: Distributing belongings can serve as a symbolic way of saying goodbye to loved ones without explicitly stating suicidal intentions. It's a nonverbal communication of their plans, often done to avoid intervention or to ease the burden on others after their death.

Lack of Self-Preservation: The act of giving away possessions demonstrates a disregard for one's own future needs and a lack of investment in their continued existence. It suggests a mindset that they won't be around to enjoy those items any longer.

No Hope for Change: This behavior can also signal a belief that their circumstances are hopeless and that suicide is the only viable solution. It reflects a sense of despair and a conviction that things won't improve.

It's crucial to note that not all individuals who contemplate suicide will exhibit this specific behavior. However, it's a serious red flag that should never be ignored. If you witness someone giving away their possessions, it's imperative to take immediate action to assess their safety and seek professional help.

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about a new prescription for lithium.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?