A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for administration of an antidote.
- B. Hold the medication and refrain from administering additional amounts of the drug.
- C. Record the symptoms as normal side effects and continue administration of the prescribed dosage.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms before the next administration of the drug.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness in a client being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder may indicate lithium toxicity. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider to ensure immediate medical intervention. The correct action is to prepare for the administration of an antidote if necessary. Holding the medication (Choice B) could delay necessary treatment. Considering the symptoms as normal side effects (Choice C) is incorrect as they suggest a potential serious issue. Notifying the healthcare provider before the next administration of the drug (Choice D) may delay urgent intervention required for lithium toxicity.
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A male client comes to the emergency center with an erection that will not resolve. The client reports that he is taking trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia. Which information is most important for the nurse to ask this client?
- A. Have you taken any medication for erectile dysfunction?
- B. Are you experiencing any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
- C. When was the last time you consumed an alcoholic beverage?
- D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most important question for the nurse to ask the client is whether he is experiencing any other sexual dysfunctions or problems. This inquiry is crucial as it can help in determining if the persistent erection is a side effect of trazodone. Asking about medication for erectile dysfunction (Choice A) may not provide relevant information in this case, as the focus is on the potential side effects of trazodone. Inquiring about the last time the client consumed alcohol (Choice C) is not directly related to the situation at hand. Questioning about a history of angina or high blood pressure (Choice D) is important for overall assessment but is not as directly relevant to the immediate concern of the persistent erection potentially caused by trazodone.
Which client statement suggests to the nurse that the client is using the defense mechanism of projection to deal with anxiety related to admission to a psychiatric unit?
- A. I am here because the police thought I was doing something wrong
- B. At least I hit the wall instead of hitting the psychiatric aide
- C. I want to be here because I know it is the best psychiatric facility
- D. Don't believe everything my family tells you, I am not crazy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A male client approaches the RN with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, "My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out!" The RN recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
- A. Denial.
- B. Projection.
- C. Rationalization.
- D. Splitting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, as seen in the client's accusations of his roommate's behavior. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own anger and potential for violence onto his roommate. Choice A, Denial, involves refusing to acknowledge some aspect of reality. Choice C, Rationalization, is a defense mechanism where logical reasons are given to justify behaviors that are actually based on unacceptable motives. Choice D, Splitting, is a defense mechanism where a person sees others as all good or all bad, not applicable in this case.
After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school nurse for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the school's work-study program. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
- B. Suggest that the student work in the athletic department.
- C. Refer the student to a psychiatrist for further discussion.
- D. Determine the parents' opinion of the work assignment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with anorexia are often fixated on food and exercise, which can exacerbate their condition. By recommending assignment to the receptionist's office, the nurse provides an environment that minimizes exposure to food-related triggers. Working in the cafeteria may intensify the student's preoccupation with food, making it an unsuitable choice. Referring the student to a psychiatrist without exploring less triggering work options first may not be necessary. Determining the parents' opinion is important, but in this context, the focus should be on selecting a work environment that supports the student's recovery.
An adolescent with a history of bipolar disorder is hospitalized during a manic episode. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the care plan?
- A. Encourage high levels of physical activity.
- B. Provide a quiet and structured environment.
- C. Engage the client in creative arts activities.
- D. Allow the client to make decisions about their schedule.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience heightened energy levels, decreased need for sleep, and racing thoughts. Providing a quiet and structured environment is crucial in managing these symptoms as it helps reduce external stimuli, prevent overstimulation, and promote a sense of calmness. Encouraging high levels of physical activity may exacerbate the manic symptoms by further increasing stimulation and excitement. Engaging the client in creative arts activities might be beneficial during stable periods but may not be the most appropriate intervention during a manic episode. Allowing the client to make decisions about their schedule could potentially lead to impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common characteristics of mania.