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.”

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C: "I'm hearing that you are concerned that it might turn out that you have cancer."

Choice A rationale:

Dismissing the client's concerns and saying there's no reason to worry is not empathetic. It invalidates the client's feelings and does not address their anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

While discussing concerns with the provider is important, it's not the most therapeutic initial response. The nurse should engage with the client's feelings before suggesting actions.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Reflecting the client's concerns back to them shows empathy and encourages them to express their feelings. This approach opens up communication and allows the nurse to provide support.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client why they think they might have cancer could come across as confrontational and dismissive. The focus should be on understanding their feelings rather than challenging their thoughts.

A. "Why did you make the choice to behave negatively?” B. "You need to calm down and forgive me before discussing this matter any further.” C. "You were made aware of the consequences of negative behavior so you better go to your room.” D. "I understand that you are angry. However, I followed the appropriate protocol.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This response uses a confrontational tone and places blame on the client for their behavior, which is not an example of assertive communication. It can potentially escalate the situation and hinder effective communication.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is authoritarian in nature, using phrases like "you need to" and "forgive me," which can further upset the client and create a power struggle. It lacks empathy and understanding, making it ineffective for assertive communication.

Choice C rationale:

While this response acknowledges the consequences of the client's negative behavior, it uses commanding language ("you better go to your room"), which can be perceived as aggressive and may escalate the situation instead of facilitating effective communication.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is the most effective example of assertive communication. It acknowledges the client's feelings ("I understand that you are angry") while also asserting the nurse's adherence to protocol. This response demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the client's emotions in a non-confrontational manner.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client who is about to undergo surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The client states, "I don't know what I will do if they find that I have cancer." Which of the following should be the appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who is upset about the loss of privileges due to repetitive negative behavior. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates the effective use of assertive communication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a mental illness on a psychiatric unit. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?

A nurse observes a client's spouse sitting alone in the waiting room crying. When approached, the spouse says, "I am really concerned about my husband." Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A nurse is admitting an older adult client to the unit who has a suspected cognitive disorder. Which of the following inventories should be included as part of the admission assessment?

A nurse is collecting a health history on a client who has a diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is an expected history associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

A nurse in the acute mental health unit is admitting a new client with an eating disorder. The nurse is aware that which of the following are considered comorbidities of eating disorders? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse notices that a client who has moderate anxiety is pacing the corridor and rambling. As the nurse approaches, the client states, "I am at the end of my rope. I don't think I can take any more bad news." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse educator is discussing community mental health with a group of nursing students. Based on the public health model, which of the following statements made by one of the students indicates correct information about primary prevention?