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?

Choice A rationale:

This statement requires intervention by the charge nurse. The nurse is making a judgmental suggestion to the client about how they should approach their marital issues. The nurse's role is to provide support, empathy, and open-ended questions that allow the client to explore their feelings and thoughts. Making a directive statement like this can be perceived as controlling and dismissive of the client's feelings.

Choice B rationale:

Relationship difficulties being stressful and requiring effort to resolve is an appropriate and empathetic response from the nurse. This acknowledges the client's struggles and offers validation without imposing a particular solution.

Choice C rationale:

Developing a plan for communication is a constructive approach that helps the client address their concerns. This response is within the nurse's scope of practice and promotes problem-solving and effective communication between partners.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to share more about their concerns regarding their marriage is a therapeutic response. It shows active listening and facilitates the client's exploration of their feelings, which is an essential aspect of the nursing role in a therapeutic relationship.

Choice A rationale:

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report is not the priority action in this situation. While assessing toxicology can provide valuable information, the immediate concern is the client's safety due to their admission of thoughts of self-harm with a plan. Toxicology can be relevant but addressing the immediate risk takes precedence.

Choice B rationale:

Initiating suicide precautions is the priority action in this case. The client's admission of thoughts of self-harm with a plan indicates a high risk for suicide. Suicide precautions involve closely monitoring the client, removing any potential means of self-harm, and providing a safe environment. Addressing the client's immediate safety is of utmost importance.

Choice C rationale:

Making a contract with the client for eating behavior is not the priority action in this situation. While eating behavior might be a concern for some individuals with borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse, the client's current statement about self-harm takes precedence. Ensuring the client's safety comes before addressing other aspects of their care.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale is not the priority action in this scenario. While assessing the severity of the client's depression is important, the immediate concern is their safety due to the expressed thoughts of self-harm. Once the client's safety is ensured, further assessment and evaluation can take place.