A nurse is preparing to teach a client about his prescription of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea.”.
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach.”.
"You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication.”.
"You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea is not a specific reason to stop lithium. However, severe diarrhea can affect lithium levels and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Lithium does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. It can be taken with or without food.
Choice C rationale:
A low-salt diet is not recommended while on lithium. In fact, a consistent, normal sodium intake is important because low sodium levels can cause lithium levels to become too high.
Choice D rationale:
Regular blood tests are necessary when taking lithium to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Weekly blood tests may be required during the first month of treatment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Anxiety is a common symptom of somatic symptom disorder, as patients often experience significant distress about their physical symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Gastrointestinal distress, such as stomach pain and diarrhea, can be manifestations of somatic symptom disorder. These symptoms can cause significant distress and disrupt daily life.
Choice C rationale:
Pain, especially when it is not linked to a clear physical cause, can be a symptom of somatic symptom disorder. The distress caused by the pain is often out of proportion to its severity.
Choice D rationale:
Bipolar disorder is a separate mental health condition and is not a symptom of somatic symptom disorder.
Choice E rationale:
Fixation on health, particularly an excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms, is a key feature of somatic symptom disorder.
Choice F rationale:
Depression can often co-occur with somatic symptom disorder, as the distress and disruption caused by the physical symptoms can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Choice G rationale:
Localized amnesia is not a symptom of somatic symptom disorder. It is more commonly associated with other mental health conditions, such as dissociative disorders.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) and can cause symptoms such as GI discomfort and poor coordination.
Choice B rationale:
Lip smacking and tongue thrusting are not typically associated with lithium toxicity.
Choice C rationale:
While blurred vision can be a symptom of lithium toxicity, jerking motor movements are not typically associated with this condition.
Choice D rationale:
Fever and fluctuating blood pressure are not typically symptoms of lithium toxicity.
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