A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 14-year-old who has anorexia nervosa.

• The client was brought to the emergency department by a parent due to fainting at home earlier this evening.
• The parent reports that the client has been worried about their weight and has been refusing to eat.
• The parent also reports the client has been spending several hours at the local gym.
• Vital signs were obtained and labs were drawn as requested by the provider.

Which of the following 5 assessment findings require immediate follow-up?

Step 1: Identify the required dose of lithium, which is 300 mg.

Step 2: Identify the available dose of lithium carbonate, which is 150 mg per capsule.

Step 3: Calculate the number of capsules needed using the formula: Number of capsules = Required dose ÷ Available dose.

Numberofcapsules=300 mg150 mg/capsule

\(Number\ of\ capsules = {300\ mg \over 150\ mg/capsule}\)

Step 4: Solve the equation.

Numberofcapsules=2 capsulesNumberofcapsules=2capsules

So, the nurse should administer 2 capsules per dose to achieve the required lithium dose of 300 mg.

Choice A rationale: A client with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who insists on mopping the floor in the day room does not pose a direct threat to themselves or others. OCD is characterized by obsessions (persistent, intrusive

thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform). The act of mopping the floor could be a compulsion for this client. While it may be disruptive or unusual, it is not harmful. Therefore, restraints would not be appropriate in this situation.

Choice B rationale: A client with a personality disorder who tries to manipulate staff to gain privileges can be challenging to manage, but this behavior does not warrant the use of restraints. Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from the expectations of the individual’s culture. These patterns are inflexible and pervasive across many personal and social situations.

While manipulation can be frustrating for staff, it is not a danger to the client or others, and other interventions should be used to manage this behavior.

Choice C rationale: A client with Bulimia Nervosa who refuses to come to the dining room for meals is exhibiting behavior related to their eating disorder, but this does not justify the use of restraints. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Refusal to eat in a communal setting like a dining room is not uncommon for individuals with eating disorders. This behavior should be addressed through therapeutic interventions, not restraints.

Choice D rationale: A client who is just recovering from a benzodiazepine overdose is the correct answer. Restraints are contraindicated for this client because they could cause physical harm. After a benzodiazepine overdose, the client may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Restraints could increase the risk of injury, particularly if the client becomes agitated or tries to remove them. In addition, restraints could potentially interfere with medical treatment for the overdose.