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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Using an incentive spirometer is not directly related to the post-TUNA discharge instructions for a client with BPH. Incentive spirometry is typically used to improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the urinary stream for a decrease in output may be important, but it is a general instruction that may not be specific to the TUNA procedure. The primary focus after TUNA is often on monitoring for complications related to the procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Reporting when hematuria (blood in the urine) becomes pink-tinged is important. While some degree of hematuria is expected after TUNA, a change in color to pink or any other concerning changes should be reported to the healthcare provider as it could indicate complications.
Choice D rationale:
There is typically no need to restrict physical activities after a TUNA procedure. In fact, healthcare providers often encourage patients to resume normal activities gradually unless otherwise instructed due to specific complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Spending time sitting in silence with the client can be a therapeutic intervention for someone who is depressed and experiencing delayed responses. It allows the client to feel a sense of presence and support without the pressure to speak or respond immediately.
This approach can help create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the client to express themselves when they are ready.
Choice B rationale:
Involving the client in a daily exercise program may be a beneficial part of the overall care plan for managing depression, but it does not directly address the client's delayed responses during interactions.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to describe her depression may be a useful therapeutic intervention to explore the client's feelings and experiences, but it should be done in a way that respects the client's pace and readiness to discuss her emotions.
Choice D rationale:
Observing for signs of possible psychosis is important for assessing the client's mental health, but delayed responses alone may not necessarily indicate psychosis. It's essential to consider the broader clinical picture and conduct a comprehensive assessment.
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