A male client with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes lithium carbonate daily. The client informed the school nurse of the desire to live away from home to attend college after graduating in one month. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the client and his family?
A The client should plan to participate in group or individual therapy while at college.
The client's serum lithium levels should be routinely evaluated.
The client should be aware of the signs and symptoms of his illness.
Despite the illness, the client should be able to live away from home.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While participation in therapy may be beneficial, the most important consideration with lithium therapy is monitoring serum levels to ensure therapeutic efficacy and avoid toxicity.
B. Lithium therapy requires regular monitoring of serum levels to maintain therapeutic efficacy and prevent toxicity, especially during times of transition or stress such as starting college
C. While it is important for the client to be aware of the signs and symptoms of his illness, routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is more crucial for maintaining stability while living away from home.
D. While independence is a positive goal, the focus in this scenario should be on ensuring the client's safety and stability through appropriate monitoring of lithium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client's increased body tension and pacing indicate escalating distress and potential risk for self-harm. Alerting staff to closely monitor the client and intervene as needed is crucial to ensure the client's safety.
B. Providing time alone in the client's room may be appropriate in some situations but may not address the immediate risk of self-mutilation if the client is experiencing escalating distress. C. Giving firm, consistent expectations about self-mutilating behaviors is important for establishing boundaries, but it may not be sufficient to address the immediate risk of self-harm without additional monitoring and intervention.
D. Completing a thorough room search is important for safety but may not address the immediate risk of self-harm if the client is already exhibiting signs of distress and pacing in the hallway.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for A: The phrase "Client claims" may imply doubt or a lack of belief in the client's account. It's important to use non-judgmental language that reflects the client's words without interpretation or bias. This choice is less appropriate because it doesn't use the client's exact words.
Rationale for B: This statement generalizes the situation and lacks the specificity of the client’s actual words. It may not capture the emotional impact or the client's clear identification of the event as rape. Direct quotations are preferred for documenting sensitive situations like this.
Rationale for C: While "Client has been sexually assaulted" is accurate, it is a general term. It is preferable to document the client's own words verbatim in the medical record to ensure clarity and to avoid any misinterpretation or assumptions.
Rationale for D: Documenting the client's exact words ("My date raped me tonight") ensures that the medical record accurately reflects the client's experience without interpretation. It is crucial to use the client's own language when documenting incidents of sexual assault.
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