A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has bipolar disorder and a prescription for lithium. Which of the following laboratory results places the client at risk for lithium toxicity?
- A. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
- B. Sodium 130 mEq/L
- C. Chloride 98 mEq/L
- D. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium 130 mEq/L. Low sodium levels increase the risk of lithium toxicity as lithium competes with sodium for reabsorption in the kidneys. This can lead to higher lithium levels in the bloodstream, putting the client at risk for toxicity. The other choices (A, C, D) are within normal ranges and do not directly impact lithium toxicity. Therefore, the client with low sodium levels is at the highest risk for lithium toxicity.
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A nurse in a psychiatric unit is providing discharge teaching to a client who has major depressive disorder and a new prescription for fluoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication in the morning
- B. Expect improvement within 24 hours
- C. Discontinue the medication when symptoms improve
- D. Avoid foods high in tyramine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication in the morning. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression. Taking it in the morning helps prevent insomnia, a common side effect. Option B is incorrect as improvement may take weeks, not 24 hours. Option C is wrong as stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Option D is irrelevant as tyramine interactions are associated with MAOIs, not SSRIs.
A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder related to military service. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to suppress feelings of trauma
- B. Assign the same staff to care for the client each day
- C. Address the client in an authoritative manner
- D. Limit the amount of time spent with the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assign the same staff to care for the client each day. Consistency in care providers helps establish trust and a sense of safety for clients with PTSD. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and improve therapeutic rapport. Encouraging the client to suppress feelings of trauma (A) can be harmful as it may worsen symptoms. Addressing the client in an authoritative manner (C) can trigger feelings of threat. Limiting time spent with the client (D) can hinder the development of a therapeutic relationship.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has panic disorder and is receiving alprazolam. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- B. Avoid activities that require alertness
- C. Stop taking the medication if dizziness occurs
- D. Take an additional dose if anxiety increases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid activities that require alertness. This is important because alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. By avoiding activities that require alertness, the client can prevent accidents or injuries.
A: Taking the medication on an empty stomach is not necessary for alprazolam.
C: Stopping the medication if dizziness occurs is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider.
D: Taking an additional dose if anxiety increases can lead to overdose and is not safe.
Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate instruction to include in teaching the client with panic disorder taking alprazolam.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following diagnosis procedures should the nurse anticipate the provider should describe during the medical evaluation?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. ECG
- C. Coagulation studies
- D. Liver function test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ECG. A provider may order an ECG during the medical evaluation of a client with bulimia nervosa to assess for any potential cardiac complications, such as electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmias due to purging behaviors. This test helps in evaluating the overall cardiac health of the client. Chest x-ray (A) is not typically indicated in the evaluation of bulimia nervosa unless there are specific respiratory symptoms. Coagulation studies (C) are not directly related to the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Liver function test (D) is not a common diagnostic procedure for bulimia nervosa unless there are specific concerns about liver function due to other factors.
A nurse is providing teaching to the daughter of an older client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following statements by the daughter indicates an understanding of the disorder?
- A. I will limit my mother’s clothing choices when she is getting dressed
- B. I will provide my mother with detailed instructions about how to perform self-care
- C. I will wake my mother up a couple of times in the night to check on her
- D. I will discourage my mother from talking about physical complaints
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will provide my mother with detailed instructions about how to perform self-care." This statement indicates an understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because individuals with OCD often struggle with performing daily tasks due to their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. By providing detailed instructions, the daughter is acknowledging the need for structured routines to help her mother manage her symptoms.
A: Limiting clothing choices does not address the underlying issues of OCD and may exacerbate anxiety.
C: Waking the mother up to check on her reinforces compulsions, which is counterproductive in treating OCD.
D: Discouraging the mother from talking about physical complaints does not address the core symptoms of OCD.
By choosing option B, the daughter shows insight into the importance of providing support and guidance in managing the challenges associated with OCD.