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","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This finding suggests that the client may not be fully disclosing her symptoms or may not be aware of their significance. It should be investigated further.
Choice B rationale:
The blood pressure and heart rate are within an acceptable range, indicating that the client's blood pressure is relatively stable.
Choice C rationale:
A potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L falls within the reference range, indicating that the client's potassium level is within normal limits.
Choice D rationale:
The client's commitment to attending dialysis appointments is a positive sign, as regular dialysis is crucial for managing end-stage renal disease.
Choice E rationale:
If the client recognizes the need to resume her Lisinopril for blood pressure control, it indicates her understanding of the medication's importance in managing her hypertension.
Choice F rationale:
The client's willingness to incorporate nutrient-rich foods like dark green vegetables and potatoes into her diet is a positive sign for improving her nutritional status, which can be beneficial for her overall health. However, dietary changes should be discussed with her healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for her condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Compromised family coping may be a concern, but it is not the most immediate priority given the client's symptoms of altered reality.
Choice B rationale:
Ineffective sexual patterns is not the primary concern in this scenario, as the client's delusional beliefs and hallucinations take precedence.
Choice C rationale:
Impaired environmental interpretation may be relevant, but it is not the most immediate priority compared to addressing the client's altered perception of reality.
Choice D rationale:
The client's delusional beliefs and hallucinatory experiences suggest disturbed sensory perception, which is a priority nursing problem that requires immediate attention and intervention. These symptoms may indicate a serious mental health condition, such as psychosis, that necessitates psychiatric evaluation and care.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
