A client commits suicide in an acute mental health facility. Which of the following is the priority intervention for staff following this incident?

Lithium is a commonly used medication for treating bipolar disorder, and therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and prevent potential toxicity. Monitoring the client's lithium levels in the blood is important because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that levels that are too low might not provide the desired therapeutic effect, while levels that are too high can lead to toxicity.

B) "This medication is addictive, so you will need to discontinue it in six months."

Lithium is not considered addictive. It's important to provide accurate information about the nature of the medication to avoid unnecessary concerns.

C) "Weight gain should be reported to your provider as an indication of lithium toxicity."

While weight gain can be a side effect of some medications, it's not a specific indicator of lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity is characterized by a range of symptoms including tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and excessive thirst, among others.

D) "Your provider may prescribe a diuretic if you have trouble urinating while taking lithium."

Diuretics are generally not recommended with lithium because they can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Lithium can affect kidney function, and using diuretics may exacerbate this effect. The client should be advised not to use diuretics without consulting their healthcare provider.

A. "Let's try to find ways to incorporate your partner's favorite food into her diet plan."

While it's important to consider the client's preferences, dietary restrictions are often in place for specific health reasons. Trying to incorporate forbidden foods into the diet plan might compromise the client's health and recovery.

B. "Why would you want to put your partner's health at further risk?"

This response is confrontational and may not foster a productive conversation with the partner. It's important to address the situation professionally and collaboratively.

C. "Everyone likes food from home, but it can delay your partner's recovery."

While this response acknowledges the partner's feelings, it's essential to communicate more directly about involving the healthcare provider in decisions about the client's diet.

"D. You will need to discuss your concerns about your partner's diet with the provider."

Explanation: In matters involving a client's dietary plan and health, it's important to involve the healthcare provider to make informed decisions. The nurse should guide the partner to communicate their concerns with the provider who has the authority to evaluate the situation, consider the dietary restrictions, and make a decision that aligns with the client's health and recovery.