A patient is prescribed 150 mg/day of Lithium, divided into two equal doses. How much Lithium should be given per dose?

Choice A reason: Pseudoparkinsonism causes symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and shuffling gait. It is not associated with fever, blood pressure changes, or diaphoresis.

Choice B reason: Tardive dyskinesia develops gradually after prolonged antipsychotic use and presents with involuntary movements like lip smacking, tongue protrusion, or grimacing. It does not cause acute systemic symptoms such as hyperpyrexia or autonomic instability.

Choice C reason: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening emergency associated with antipsychotics. It manifests with hyperpyrexia, autonomic instability (blood pressure changes, diaphoresis), severe muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. The client’s presentation matches NMS.

Choice D reason: Acute dystonia involves sudden muscle contractions affecting the face, neck, or back (e.g., torticollis, oculogyric crisis). It does not present with systemic symptoms like fever or blood pressure fluctuations.

Choice A reason:Major depressive disorder carries a high risk of suicide, especially in acute settings. Monitoring for self-harm is the priority to ensure the client’s safety, as it addresses an immediate, life-threatening risk before other interventions.

Choice B reason:Administering antidepressants is important for managing depression, but it is not the priority over safety. Antidepressants take weeks to become effective, and the risk of self-harm must be addressed first.

Choice C reason:Assisting with activities of daily living supports the client’s functional needs, but it is not the priority. Safety concerns, such as self-harm risk, take precedence in acute depression.

Choice D reason:Encouraging fluid intake is important for physical health, but it is not the priority in major depressive disorder. Preventing self-harm is critical due to the high risk of suicide in this condition.