A nurse is preparing to teach a client about the prescription of lithium (Eskalith) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"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.”
"You will need to stop this medication if you develop severe diarrhea.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Ingesting lithium (Eskalith) on an empty stomach can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, clients are generally advised to take this medication with food or milk to minimize these side effects. This choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
While sodium intake can impact lithium levels, clients are usually advised to maintain a consistent, moderate sodium intake rather than adopting a low-salt diet. Extreme dietary changes can affect lithium levels and potentially lead to toxicity, making this choice inaccurate.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring blood levels of lithium is crucial to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and prevent toxicity. During the initiation phase, frequent monitoring, typically weekly, is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage for each individual. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and blood levels need to be closely regulated.
Choice D rationale:
Discontinuing lithium abruptly can lead to worsened bipolar symptoms. Diarrhea can contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, potentially impacting lithium levels, but stopping the medication is not the initial action to take. Adjustments in dosage or management strategies are usually explored before considering discontinuation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. While mental health issues can certainly be prevalent among the homeless population, bipolar disorder may not be the most prevalent in this context. Homelessness often exposes individuals to harsh living conditions, which might contribute to mood disturbances, but substance addiction is more commonly associated with this population.
Choice B rationale:
Depression is a significant concern among homeless individuals due to the many challenges they face, but substance addiction is generally more prevalent. Substance abuse often becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with the stressors of homelessness, making it a primary concern in this population.
Choice C rationale:
Substance addiction is a critical mental health issue that is highly prevalent among homeless individuals. The stress, trauma, and lack of stable support systems experienced by the homeless population contribute to a higher risk of substance abuse as a way to cope with their circumstances.
Choice D rationale:
Schizophrenia involves a disconnection from reality, including symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. While schizophrenia can certainly affect homeless individuals, substance addiction remains a more widespread concern due to its association with the challenges of homelessness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Is an aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable behavior.
Choice A rationale:
Decreases or eliminates a behavior by introducing a more adaptive behavior that is incompatible with the unacceptable behavior. Choice A refers to the technique of "differential reinforcement," where an undesirable behavior is replaced by a more appropriate behavior. This technique involves reinforcing positive behaviors while ignoring or providing minimal attention to negative behaviors. It is not the same as covert sensitization.
Choice B rationale:
Is an aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable behavior. Covert sensitization is a form of aversion therapy used to eliminate unwanted behaviors by associating them with unpleasant imagery or thoughts. It's based on the principle that if a person can associate a negative response with a certain behavior, they will be less likely to engage in that behavior. This technique is used for behaviors like addiction or certain compulsive behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
An aversive stimulus or punishment during which the client is removed from the environment where the unacceptable behavior is being exhibited. Choice C refers to "time-out," a technique used to decrease undesirable behaviors by removing the individual from the environment where the behavior is occurring. This is often used with children and involves giving them a brief break from a situation to help them calm down. It's not the same as covert sensitization.
Choice D rationale:
Relies on an individual's imagination rather than medication for unpleasant symptoms. Choice D is not directly related to covert sensitization. Covert sensitization involves creating a negative association with a behavior using mental imagery. It's not about relying on imagination instead of medication.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.