For the past 3 weeks, the nurse has observed a patient interacting with staff and other patients, helping decorate the dining room for a party, and leading the singing in the activity room. Today, the patient tearfully refuses to dress or get out of bed. The nurse recognizes these behaviors as evidence of which psychiatric disorder?

A. Take her blood pressure twice a day to check for hypertension. Lithium does not typically cause hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure is not a primary concern for patients on lithium.
B. Have her drug blood level checked every month. Regular monitoring of lithium blood levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels and avoid toxicity. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, and frequent monitoring helps in adjusting the dose to maintain safe and effective levels.
C. Avoid aged cheese and red wine. This advice is relevant for patients taking MAOIs, not lithium. There is no need for patients on lithium to avoid these foods specifically.
D. Examine her skin closely for eruptions. While skin eruptions can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a primary concern for patients on lithium. The focus should be on monitoring for signs of lithium toxicity and other common side effects like tremors, thyroid dysfunction, and renal impairment.

A. "I wouldn't need to drink if I had my family back." This statement shifts the focus from personal responsibility for drinking to external factors.

B. "My drinking helps me cope with the stress of my job." This indicates a belief in using alcohol as a coping mechanism rather than recognizing the impact of drinking itself.

C. "All my difficulties are related to my drinking." Recognizing that difficulties are related to drinking shows insight and a step towards taking responsibility for the problem.

D. “I drink because I'm lonely.” While this indicates awareness of a trigger, it does not demonstrate the same level of insight into the central role of drinking in the patient’s difficulties.