What is the primary reason for monitoring lithium levels every two to three days until a therapeutic level is obtained?
To prevent symptoms of toxicity
To identify early signs and symptoms of relapse
To establish baseline liver function tests
To ensure the client is within the therapeutic range
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Frequent monitoring allows for early detection of rising lithium levels, preventing toxicity.
B. While monitoring lithium levels is important for overall treatment, it's not primarily used to identify relapse.
C. Lithium primarily affects the kidneys, not the liver. Liver function tests are important for overall health monitoring but are not the primary reason for frequent lithium level checks.
D. While this is a goal, the primary reason for such frequent monitoring is to prevent toxicity, which can occur rapidly.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Prozac is sometimes used to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder, its primary indication is not for anxiety.
B. Prozac is not used to treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that is usually managed with antipsychotic medications. Prozac, as an SSRI, does not address the primary symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.
C. Prozac is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is one of the most commonly used SSRIs for managing depression. The medication works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
D. Prozac is not typically used as the primary treatment for bipolar disorder. While it may be used in combination with mood stabilizers for managing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, it is not used alone due to the risk of potentially triggering manic episodes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. It is not the immediate priority during a panic attack. The client is currently in a state of heightened distress, and trying to teach new techniques at this moment may not be effective or practical.
B. Although administering PRN (as needed) antianxiety medication can be beneficial for managing symptoms, the immediate priority should be to ensure the client feels safe and supported. Medication may be used later in the process, but addressing the immediate needs and providing a calming environment is crucial first.
C. While understanding the client’s thought process can be helpful for therapeutic purposes and future treatment planning, asking about thoughts during an acute panic attack can be overwhelming and may not be the most supportive approach at that moment.
D. The first priority during a panic attack is to ensure the client feels safe and supported. Staying with the client in a quiet place helps reduce stimuli that could exacerbate the panic attack and provides reassurance.
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