A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?

The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.

The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.

The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.

The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.

Engaging in activities and social interactions can actually be a positive sign, as it suggests involvement and connection with others, which can be protective against suicide.

B. The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.

Identifying with others' problems may indicate empathy, but it is not necessarily indicative of suicide risk on its own.

C. The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.

Explanation: Impulsivity can be a significant risk factor for suicide. A sudden increase in impulsive behavior might indicate that the client is not thinking clearly and is acting without considering the potential consequences. Impulsivity can lead to actions that are harmful or dangerous, including suicidal behaviors.

D. The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.

Expressing a desire to be with loved ones is generally not an indicator of suicide risk. In fact, having a strong support system can be protective against suicidal thoughts.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A.Lithium is excreted through the kidneys, and dehydration and sodium depletion increase the risk of lithium toxicity. A client who runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon is at risk of excessive sweating and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and sodium depletion. This reduces lithium excretion, leading to toxic levels in the blood.

B. Anormal sodium intake helps maintain lithium balance. A low sodium intake increases lithium retention, but 2-3 grams/day is within the normal recommended range.

C. Adequate hydration helps prevent lithium toxicity. Clients on lithium should drink 2–3 liters of fluid daily to promote kidney function and lithium excretion.
D. Tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, cured meats) are a concern for clients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not lithium. Tyramine does not affect lithium levels.

A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done. B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate. C. Liver function tests must be monitored. D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done.

An EEG is not typically necessary when starting valproate for bipolar disorder. EEGs are more commonly used to assess brain activity in the context of epilepsy.

B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate.

Sodium levels are not directly related to the toxic levels of valproate. The primary concern with valproate is its impact on liver function and potential for hepatotoxicity.

C. Liver function tests must be monitored.

Explanation: Valproate is an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the potential side effects of valproate is hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Therefore, monitoring liver function tests (such as serum transaminases) is important to assess the medication's impact on the liver and to ensure the client's safety.

D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months.

While thyroid function tests might be important for some medications, monitoring thyroid function is not a primary consideration when using valproate. The main focus with valproate is on liver function monitoring.

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A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse could teach the client which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for valproate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client about the use of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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