A young adult client with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes lithium carbonate daily. The client informed the school nurse of the desire to live away from home to attend college after graduating in one month. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the client and his family?
The client should be aware of the signs and symptoms of his illness.
The client should plan to participate in group or individual therapy while at college.
Despite the illness, the client should be able to live away from home.
The client's serum lithium levels should be routinely evaluated.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
While it's important for the client to be aware of the signs and symptoms of their illness, medication monitoring is a more immediate concern.
Choice B rationale:
Participating in therapy can be beneficial, but it's not the most critical information to provide in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Living away from home is possible for many individuals with bipolar disorder, but medication management is a higher priority.
Choice D rationale:
Routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent lithium toxicity in individuals taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness are more severe symptoms that are not typically associated with narcotic withdrawal but could indicate other medical issues.
Choice B rationale:
Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps are indicative of narcotic withdrawal. These symptoms are commonly associated with opioid withdrawal, especially when there are needle marks on the client's arms, which may suggest a history of opioid use. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, sweating, and gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal cramps. Therefore, these findings should be documented and reported for further assessment and appropriate intervention related to narcotic withdrawal.
Choice C rationale:
Depression, fatigue, and dizziness are not specific to narcotic withdrawal and could be related to various conditions.
Choice D rationale:
Hypotension, shallow respirations, and dilated pupils may suggest opioid overdose rather than withdrawal.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assisting the client with relaxation techniques within the group may be ineffective for severe anxiety because the client may be too overwhelmed by the environment to participate or focus.
B. Escorting the client from the group to a quieter environment is the most effective intervention for severe anxiety. Reducing external stimuli allows the client to regain composure and prevents escalation of physiological and psychological stress responses.
C. Providing education about coping strategies is appropriate for mild or moderate anxiety, but during severe anxiety the client is unlikely to process or retain information effectively.
D. Asking the client to describe or identify the source of feelings can increase anxiety and is not therapeutic during a severe anxiety episode. Exploration of triggers is more appropriate once the client is calmer.
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