Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that a patient may be experiencing a mental illness?

Choice A reason: Clozapine, an antipsychotic, primarily causes agranulocytosis and metabolic issues, not fluid or electrolyte imbalances. Its effects on the central nervous system and bone marrow do not directly disrupt electrolyte homeostasis, making this choice incorrect for this concern.

Choice B reason: Lithium, a mood stabilizer, affects renal function, impairing sodium and water reabsorption, leading to potential hyponatremia or dehydration. This requires close monitoring of electrolytes, as imbalances can cause toxicity, making this the correct choice for heightened alertness.

Choice C reason: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, primarily affects serotonin levels, with minimal impact on fluid or electrolyte balance. Side effects like nausea do not significantly disrupt electrolytes, making this choice incorrect compared to lithium’s known renal effects.

Choice D reason: Venlafaxine, an SNRI, influences serotonin and norepinephrine but does not significantly affect fluid or electrolyte balance. Its side effects, like hypertension, are unrelated to electrolyte homeostasis, making this choice incorrect for this specific concern.

Choice A reason: HIPAA requires signed patient consent for releasing medical information to third parties, ensuring patient autonomy and confidentiality. This legal standard applies to mental health records, protecting sensitive data, making this the correct choice for information release.

Choice B reason: Verbal consent, even with a guardian, is insufficient under HIPAA, which mandates written authorization for protected health information. This ensures clear documentation, making this choice incorrect, as written consent is the legal standard.

Choice C reason: Psychiatrist approval does not replace patient consent for releasing information. HIPAA prioritizes patient authorization, and provider approval alone violates privacy regulations, making this choice incorrect for legal information release protocols.

Choice D reason: Health care team permission is irrelevant to releasing information, as only the patient’s signed consent is legally required. Team collaboration does not override HIPAA’s patient-centered consent rules, making this choice incorrect.