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?

A. "Why are you feeling so down?"

This response could come across as confrontational or invasive, potentially making the client feel uncomfortable. The client has already expressed their desire not to talk at the moment, so pushing for an explanation may not be well-received.

B. "I’ll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."

Explanation:

This response shows empathy and support without pushing the client to talk or sharing personal experiences. It respects the client's desire for space and acknowledges their emotions without being intrusive. It provides a calming and non-intrusive presence, giving the client the option to open up if and when they are ready.

C. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too."

While sharing personal experiences can sometimes be helpful, in this context, it might inadvertently shift the focus from the client's emotions to the nurse's experiences. It's important to keep the focus on the client and their feelings.

D. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it."

Suggesting that talking might help is well-intentioned, but it might pressure the client into discussing their feelings when they have clearly stated their preference not to at that moment. The client's autonomy and comfort should be respected.

A. Dental erosion can occur due to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent vomiting, but it is not a characteristic feature of anorexia nervosa.

B. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not specific to anorexia nervosa and may be seen in various gastrointestinal disorders.

C. Hypertension is not a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa. In fact, hypotension (low blood pressure) is more commonly observed due to decreased cardiac output related to malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.

D. bradycardia in a client with a new diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is a common cardiovascular manifestation in individuals with anorexia nervosa. It is often a result of the body's adaptive response to conserve energy due to severe malnutrition and reduced caloric intake.