A nurse in a community mental health clinic is assessing a client who began taking lithium carbonate 5 days ago. The client reports fine hand tremors and has a current lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors.

Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose

Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage.

Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.

B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.

C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.

D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Reaction Formation:
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might display exaggerated friendliness and kindness. In the given scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not contradictory to their true feelings; they are imitating the charge nurse willingly.

B. Suppression:
Suppression is a conscious effort to push down or hide certain thoughts or feelings. Unlike repression (which is unconscious), suppression involves a deliberate choice not to think about or dwell on certain emotions or thoughts. In the scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not an example of suppression because they are not consciously trying to hide their actions.

C. Identification:
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously models their behavior, feelings, or attitudes after those of someone else, especially someone they perceive as powerful or significant. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse is imitating the behaviors of the charge nurse, which is an example of identification.

D. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously or unconsciously covers up weaknesses, frustrations, or feelings of inadequacy by emphasizing strengths or seeking to excel in other areas. It involves making up for a perceived lack by putting extra effort into another aspect of life. The scenario does not describe the newly licensed nurse compensating for any perceived weakness; they are simply imitating the charge nurse's behavior.

A. "This medication is given to help with extrapyramidal side effects." B. "Benztropine helps alleviate your hallucinations." C. "This medication is given to help with your depression." D. "Benztropine is used to counteract your tachycardia."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "This medication is given to help with extrapyramidal side effects."
Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat the extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) caused by certain psychiatric drugs, particularly antipsychotics. EPS can include symptoms such as muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, and other movement disorders. Benztropine helps to alleviate these symptoms, making it an essential medication for individuals experiencing these side effects from antipsychotic medications.

B. "Benztropine helps alleviate your hallucinations."
This statement is incorrect. Benztropine is not primarily used to treat hallucinations; it is used for movement-related side effects as mentioned above.

C. "This medication is given to help with your depression."
This statement is incorrect. Benztropine is not indicated for the treatment of depression.

D. "Benztropine is used to counteract your tachycardia."
This statement is incorrect. Benztropine is not used to treat tachycardia (fast heart rate). It is specifically used for extrapyramidal side effects related to antipsychotic medications.

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A nurse in a community mental health clinic is assessing a client who began taking lithium carbonate 5 days ago. The client reports fine hand tremors and has a current lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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