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A client is brought to the emergency department by his brother. The client has a history of bipolar disorder for which he is taking divalproex. The brother reports that he watched his brother take the medication about 2 hours ago. He stated, A little while ago, he got very disoriented and agitated. The nurse suspects toxicity based on assessment of which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Tachypnea
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Nystagmus
- E. Vomiting
Correct Answer: D,E
Rationale: Divalproex toxicity may present with nystagmus (D) and vomiting (E), alongside disorientation and agitation, due to neurological and gastrointestinal effects. Tachypnea (A), bradycardia (B), and hypotension (C) are less specific to valproate toxicity.
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A client with bipolar disorder has a lithium drug level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.
- A. Metallic taste
- B. Ataxia
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Slurred speech
- E. Fasciculations
- F. Muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A,C,F
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6?1.2 mEq/L) but at the upper limit, where mild side effects like metallic taste (A), diarrhea (C), and muscle weakness (F) may occur. Ataxia (B), slurred speech (D), and fasciculations (E) are more typical of toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L).
A client is to receive lithium therapy as part of the treatment plan for bipolar disorder. When reviewing the client?s medication history, which agents would alert the nurse to the possibility that a decrease in lithium dosage may be needed? Select all that apply.
- A. Lisinopril
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide
- C. Indomethacin
- D. Caffeine
- E. Aspirin
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide (B) and indomethacin (C) reduce lithium excretion, increasing lithium levels and requiring potential dose reduction to avoid toxicity. Lisinopril (A), caffeine (D), and aspirin (E) have minimal impact on lithium pharmacokinetics.
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing mania is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric setting. During the acute phase of mania, which medication would the nurse expect to most likely administer?
- A. Lithium carbonate (Lithium)
- B. Haloperidol lactate (Haldol)
- C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Haloperidol (B), a typical antipsychotic, is commonly used in acute mania to rapidly control severe agitation, impulsivity, and psychotic symptoms due to its fast-acting nature. Lithium (A) is effective for long-term mood stabilization but slower in acute mania. Fluoxetine (C) and paroxetine (D), SSRIs, are used for depression, not mania, and may worsen manic symptoms.
A client?s blood level of carbamazepine is increased. When reviewing the client?s medication history, which of the following would alert the nurse to a possible interaction?
- A. Phenobarbital
- B. Primidone
- C. Phenytoin
- D. Diltiazem
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diltiazem (D), a calcium channel blocker, inhibits the metabolism of carbamazepine, increasing its blood levels and risking toxicity. Phenobarbital (A), primidone (B), and phenytoin (C) are enzyme inducers that typically decrease carbamazepine levels.
A client asks the nurse if he needs to alter any of his activities because he is taking lithium carbonate. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate?
- A. Increase your salt intake if an activity causes you to perspire heavily.
- B. Wear sunscreen when you are going to be outdoors in the summer time.
- C. Drink less fluid than usual now because you are taking this drug.
- D. No changes are necessary for strenuous activities you do outdoors.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lithium levels can increase to toxic levels with dehydration from heavy perspiration, as sodium loss affects lithium excretion. Increasing salt intake (A) during such activities helps maintain safe lithium levels. Sunscreen (B) is unrelated, reducing fluid (C) risks toxicity, and no changes (D) ignores the risk of dehydration.