A nurse is teaching a client who has bipolar disorder about lithium. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
He will monitor your lithium levels closely while you are taking this medication."
This medication is addictive, so you will need to discontinue it in six months."
"Weight gain should be reported to your provider as an indication of lithium toxicity."
"Your provider may prescribe a diuretic if you have trouble urinating while taking lithium."
The Correct Answer is A
Lithium is a commonly used medication for treating bipolar disorder, and therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and prevent potential toxicity. Monitoring the client's lithium levels in the blood is important because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that levels that are too low might not provide the desired therapeutic effect, while levels that are too high can lead to toxicity.
B) "This medication is addictive, so you will need to discontinue it in six months."
Lithium is not considered addictive. It's important to provide accurate information about the nature of the medication to avoid unnecessary concerns.
C) "Weight gain should be reported to your provider as an indication of lithium toxicity."
While weight gain can be a side effect of some medications, it's not a specific indicator of lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity is characterized by a range of symptoms including tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and excessive thirst, among others.
D) "Your provider may prescribe a diuretic if you have trouble urinating while taking lithium."
Diuretics are generally not recommended with lithium because they can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Lithium can affect kidney function, and using diuretics may exacerbate this effect. The client should be advised not to use diuretics without consulting their healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Female gender: Incorrect
While the risk of attempted suicide is generally higher in females, completed suicide rates are higher in males. Therefore, being female is not typically considered a primary risk factor for suicide,though it's important to note that both genders require attention for prevention.
B. Currently married: Incorrect
Being married is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Social support and close relationships tend to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior.
C. Age greater than 45 years old: correct
Suicide risk tends to increase with age, particularly for men. Individuals over 45, especially those facing chronic illness, social isolation, or significant life changes, are at higher risk.
D. Substance use disorder: Correct
Substance use disorder is a significant risk factor for suicide. Substance abuse can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, impair judgment, and lower inhibitions, increasing the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
E. Schizophrenia: Correct
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder associated with an increased risk of suicide. The symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and feelings of isolation, can contribute to severe distress and increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. “Taking the medication on an empty stomach will decrease your stomach upset."This is incorrect because taking chlorpromazine on an empty stomach can actually increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and upset. It’s generally recommended to take medications that can irritate the stomach lining with food or milk to help buffer the stomach.
B. “Lie down for 30 minutes after each dose to help prevent stomach upset.”This is not a recommended practice for preventing stomach upset. In fact, lying down immediately after taking medication can increase the risk of esophageal irritation and reflux, especially with certain medications.
C. “Talk to your provider about decreasing your dose of medication.”While discussing medication concerns with a healthcare provider is always a good idea, this response does not directly address the immediate issue of stomach upset. The provider might adjust the dose if necessary, but the primary recommendation for reducing stomach upset would be to take the medication with milk.
D. “Drink a glass of milk with each dose of your medication.”Drinking milk with chlorpromazine can help reduce stomach upset by buffering the stomach lining and reducing irritation. This is a common recommendation for medications that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
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