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.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "What have you done to change your situation?"
This response can come off as accusatory and might make the client feel judged. It's not the most therapeutic response in this situation.
B. "You should remove yourself from this situation now."
While removing oneself from a harmful situation is generally good advice, it might not be practical or safe in the heat of the moment. Moreover, this response doesn't address the underlying emotional distress the client is expressing.
C. “Are you thinking about harming yourself?"
This response directly assesses the client's suicidal ideation. It's essential to ask direct questions about self-harm when a person expresses feelings of hopelessness, as it provides an opportunity for the client to talk about their thoughts and feelings and for the nurse to assess the level of risk accurately.
D. “We will help get you through this. You'll be fine."
While offering support and reassurance is essential, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of potential suicidal thoughts. The nurse should assess the client's safety first before providing reassurance.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hallways are long distances:
Long hallways can be challenging for individuals with dementia due to their potential mobility issues, disorientation, and decreased ability to navigate. Dementia often affects spatial awareness and can lead to confusion, making it difficult for patients to find their way back to their rooms or common areas. Long distances increase the risk of falls and disorientation.
B. The room has an area rug:
Area rugs can present tripping hazards for anyone, especially for individuals with mobility issues, balance problems, or cognitive impairments like dementia. Patients might trip on the edges of the rug, leading to falls and injuries.
C. The bed is in the low position:
Having the bed in a low position is generally considered a safety measure, especially for patients at risk of falls. However, for a patient with dementia, it might be important to strike a balance. Beds that are too low can be difficult for individuals with dementia to get in and out of, potentially leading to falls. It's important to assess the patient's ability to safely get in and out of bed.
D. Outside doors have locks:
Locks on outside doors are essential for the safety of individuals with dementia. Dementia patients are prone to wandering, which can lead them to dangerous situations if they leave the facility unsupervised. Locks on outside doors help prevent wandering, ensuring the patients stay within the secure confines of the facility.
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