A nurse is teaching about sources of psychological stress to a group of newly licensed nurses. The nurse should identify which of the following qualifies as a source of psychological distress?

A. fluoxetine (Prozac):

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While SSRIs can have side effects, significant alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity and fluid/electrolyte imbalance are not typically associated with fluoxetine. The primary concerns with SSRIs are related to serotonin levels and can include gastrointestinal disturbances, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

B. Lithium (Lithobid):

This is the correct answer. Lithium is known to have potential side effects related to cardiac and cerebral function, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance. Monitoring blood levels of lithium is crucial to avoid toxicity, which can affect the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Lithium toxicity can lead to symptoms such as tremors, confusion, ataxia, and, in severe cases, seizures.

C. venlafaxine (Effexor):

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it can cause some cardiovascular effects, the concern for significant alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity and fluid/electrolyte imbalance is generally lower compared to lithium. The primary side effects of venlafaxine are related to serotonin and norepinephrine levels and may include increased blood pressure and heart rate.

D. clozapine (Clozaril):

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia. While antipsychotics can have side effects related to metabolic changes, significant alterations in cardiac or electrolyte imbalances are not typically associated with clozapine as the primary concern. Regular monitoring for metabolic side effects, such as weight gain and changes in lipid and glucose levels, is important with antipsychotic medications.

Orientation: When a nurse asks a client to identify their name, date, residential address, and situation, they are assessing the client's orientation. Orientation refers to an individual's awareness of time, place, person, and situation.

B. Affect: Affect refers to the observable expression of emotions. It involves the client's emotional tone, such as being happy, sad, angry, or flat. It is not directly assessed by asking about personal information.

C. Perception: Perception involves the way individuals interpret and make sense of sensory information. Asking about personal information is more related to orientation than perception.

D. Mood: Mood refers to a more sustained emotional state. It is not directly assessed by asking for specific personal information about the current situation or location.