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 is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and engages in repeated handwashing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to stop washing hands
- B. Allow the client additional time to complete rituals
- C. Set strict time limits on compulsions
- D. Ignore the client’s compulsive behavior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow the client additional time to complete rituals. This approach is known as a harm reduction strategy in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. By allowing the client additional time to complete rituals, the nurse can help reduce the client's anxiety and provide a sense of control. Encouraging the client to stop washing hands (A) may increase anxiety and worsen symptoms. Setting strict time limits on compulsions (C) can also increase anxiety and lead to distress. Ignoring the client's compulsive behavior (D) can be harmful as it may reinforce the behavior. It is important for the nurse to be supportive and understanding of the client's struggles while working towards more effective coping strategies.
A nurse is providing behavioral therapy for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client repeatedly checks that the doors are locked at night. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client when using thought stopping technique?
- A. Keep a journal of how often you check the locks each night
- B. Snap a rubber band on your wrist when you think about checking the locks
- C. Ask a family member to check the lock for you at night
- D. Focus on abdominal breathing whenever you go to check the locks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Snap a rubber band on your wrist when you think about checking the locks. This is an effective use of thought stopping technique as it creates a physical distraction and discomfort when the client has obsessive thoughts. It helps interrupt the pattern of behavior and redirects the client's focus away from the compulsion. Keeping a journal (A) may increase anxiety and reinforce the behavior. Asking a family member to check the lock (C) doesn't address the client's need to manage their own thoughts and behaviors. Focusing on abdominal breathing (D) may be a relaxation technique but doesn't directly address the obsessive thoughts.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results on an adolescent who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Blood glucose 100 mg/dL
- B. T4 11 mcg/dL
- C. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
- D. Hgb 10 g/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hgb 10 g/dL. In an adolescent with anorexia nervosa, low hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are expected due to malnutrition and inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Anorexia nervosa can lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients such as iron, which can result in anemia and low Hgb levels. This is a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Blood glucose of 100 mg/dL (choice A) is within the normal range and not specific to anorexia nervosa. T4 of 11 mcg/dL (choice B) is also within the normal range and not typically affected by anorexia nervosa. Potassium of 3.7 mEq/L (choice C) is within the normal range and not a common finding in anorexia nervosa. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it is a common laboratory finding associated with anorexia nervosa.
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 caring for a client who is involuntarily admitted for major depressive disorder and refuses to take prescribed antianxiety medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Inform the client that he does not have the right to refuse medication
- B. Administer the medication to the client via IM injection
- C. Offer the client the medication at the next scheduled dose time
- D. Implement consequences until the client takes the medication
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Implementing consequences until the client takes the medication is the most appropriate action as the client is involuntarily admitted. This approach ensures the client's safety and well-being by addressing the refusal to take prescribed medication. Administering medication via IM injection (B) may escalate the situation and violate the client's rights. Informing the client that he does not have the right to refuse medication (A) is inaccurate and may lead to resistance. Offering the medication at the next scheduled dose time (C) does not address the client's refusal.