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 D
Explanation
A. "Using nontraditional treatments is not a good idea. I'd rather you avoid that route."
This response is directive and dismissive of the client's choice. It does not promote open communication or respect for the client's autonomy and beliefs.
B. "Your provider is very knowledgeable. If he prescribes chemotherapy, it's the best treatment for you."
While healthcare providers have expertise, this response doesn't address the client's concerns or give them an opportunity to express their feelings. It may come across as authoritarian and not respecting the client's wishes.
C. "A lot of people think nontraditional treatments will work, and they find out too late that they made the wrong choice."
This response uses scare tactics and doesn't address the client's individual needs or concerns. It does not foster a trusting and respectful nurse-client relationship.
D. "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
This is the most appropriate response. It demonstrates active listening, empathy, and a willingness to understand the client's perspective. By asking the client to share more about their concerns, the nurse can engage in a meaningful conversation and provide information and support based on the client's needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "My child was born with a birth defect due to an exposure I had overseas."
This statement does not directly relate to the core symptoms of PTSD. While exposure to trauma can have a variety of consequences, including potential exposure-related health issues, this statement does not necessarily indicate the re-experiencing, avoidance, or hyperarousal symptoms characteristic of PTSD.
B) "I check any room I enter because the enemy is still after me and could be hiding anywhere."
This statement is more indicative of hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which are common symptoms of PTSD. However, it does not explicitly involve re-experiencing the traumatic event through nightmares or intrusive memories, as described in the correct answer.
C) "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me."
Explanation:
The statement "In my dreams, all I can see are the wounded reaching out and trying to grab me" indicates symptoms commonly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This statement reflects the re-experiencing symptom cluster of PTSD, where individuals may have distressing and intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event they experienced. The imagery of wounded individuals trying to grab the person suggests a strong emotional impact and ongoing distress related to the traumatic experience.
D) "I killed four enemy soldiers with my bare hands and saved my entire battalion."
While this statement might reflect exposure to a traumatic event and could contribute to symptoms of PTSD, it is presented in a way that seems more like a narrative of heroic actions rather than a symptom of distress or re-experiencing.
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