A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about appropriate actions to take when a client threatens to harm a specific individual. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?

A. Tactile hallucination: Incorrect

Tactile hallucinations involve false sensations of touch, such as feeling something on the skin that isn't there. While these hallucinations can be distressing, they are not typically considered a priority over other types of hallucinations, especially those that might pose more immediate risks.

B. Command hallucination: Correct

Command hallucinations involve hearing voices that command the individual to take specific actions, often harmful ones. These types of hallucinations are considered a significant priority because they can lead to dangerous behaviors, self-harm, or harm to others. Addressing and managing command hallucinations promptly is crucial to ensure the safety of the individual and those around them.

C. Visual hallucination: Incorrect

Visual hallucinations involve seeing things that aren't actually present. While these can be distressing, they are generally considered less urgent compared to command hallucinations, which can directly lead to risky actions.

D. Gustatory hallucination: Incorrect

Gustatory hallucinations involve false perceptions of taste. While these can be unsettling, they are not typically considered a priority over command hallucinations, which have a more immediate potential for harm.

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.