A nurse is preparing to teach a client about his prescription of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication."
- B. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."
- C. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach."
- D. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium levels need frequent monitoring at the start of therapy to prevent toxicity.
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A client commits suicide in an acute mental health facility. Which of the following is the priority intervention for staff following this incident?
- A. Provide professional counseling for staff members.
- B. Change policies for staff observation of clients who are suicidal.
- C. Identify cues in the client's behavior that might have warned them that he was contemplating suicide.
- D. Give the family an opportunity to talk about their feelings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identify cues in the client's behavior that might have warned them that he was contemplating suicide. This is the priority intervention because understanding the warning signs can help prevent future suicides by recognizing and addressing high-risk behaviors. Providing counseling (A) is important but not the immediate priority. Changing policies (B) may be necessary in the long term but does not address the current situation. Giving the family an opportunity to talk (D) is important for support but does not directly address staff intervention.
A nurse observes a client sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches her, the client states, "I'm feeling sad. I don't want to talk now." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "It will help you feel better if you talk about it."
- B. "I'll come back when you feel like talking."
- C. "I'll stay with you a few minutes."
- D. "Coming with me to the day room will take your mind off your troubles."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Staying with the client provides support without pressuring them to talk.
A nurse is providing teaching about confidentiality with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. "The courts might require me to discuss confidential information."
- B. "I am required to provide confidential information to insurance companies."
- C. "If questioned during a police investigation, I am required to divulge confidential information."
- D. "I am legally allowed to discuss confidential information with the client's former therapist."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Confidentiality may be broken if required by law, such as with a court order.
A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized and says to the nurse, "My partner called and told me my boss hired someone to take my place." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "You should call your boss and ask if you can have your job back."
- B. "I don't understand why your partner would upset you with news like that."
- C. "There really isn't much you can do about that until you are discharged."
- D. "You must feel very concerned and disappointed by that information."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Acknowledging the client’s emotions promotes therapeutic communication.
A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is admitting a client who reports feeling depressed, sad, moody, and overly anxious. Which of the following is the nurse’s assessment priority?
- A. Coping abilities
- B. Support systems
- C. Suicide risk
- D. Psychiatric history
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suicide risk. This is the priority assessment because the client is reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are risk factors for suicide. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for ensuring the client's safety. Coping abilities (A) and support systems (B) are important, but assessing suicide risk takes precedence in this situation. Psychiatric history (D) may provide valuable information, but it is not the priority when the client is actively reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety.