A physician orders Lithium 1.2 grams/day in three divided doses PO for a client with bipolar disorder. The medication is supplied as 300 mg/5 mL. How much will the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A Reason: Encouraging the client to consume foods high in vitamin B1 (thiamine) is beneficial, but it may not be sufficient alone to prevent Korsakoff’s syndrome in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Thiamine is crucial for brain function, and its deficiency can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. However, due to malabsorption issues common in alcohol use disorder, dietary intake alone might not meet the necessary thiamine levels.

Choice B Reason: Implementing strict bed rest to conserve energy is not directly related to preventing Korsakoff’s syndrome. While rest is important for overall health, it does not address the thiamine deficiency that leads to this condition. Korsakoff’s syndrome is primarily caused by a lack of thiamine, and conserving energy does not mitigate this deficiency.

Choice C Reason: Restricting fluid intake to prevent water intoxication is not relevant to preventing Korsakoff’s syndrome. Water intoxication is a separate issue and does not address the thiamine deficiency that causes Korsakoff’s syndrome. Proper hydration is important, but it does not prevent the neurological damage associated with thiamine deficiency.

Choice D Reason: Administering thiamine supplements as prescribed is the most appropriate intervention to prevent Korsakoff’s syndrome. Thiamine supplementation is crucial for individuals with alcohol use disorder because their bodies often cannot absorb enough thiamine from food alone. Thiamine is essential for brain function, and its deficiency can lead to severe neurological damage. Administering supplements ensures that the client receives an adequate amount of this vital nutrient.

Choice A Reason: We can call Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and go to a closed meeting to see what happens inside.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a support group specifically for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Closed meetings are typically reserved for those who identify as alcoholics and are seeking help for their own drinking problems. Family members and friends are generally not allowed to attend these meetings unless they are open meetings. Therefore, this choice does not reflect an effective understanding of the appropriate support resources available for family members.

Choice B Reason: We should wait until the client is ready to stop drinking before the family goes to support meetings.

Waiting until the client is ready to stop drinking before seeking support is not advisable. Family members can benefit from attending support groups like Al-Anon regardless of the client’s readiness to change. These groups provide emotional support, education, and coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with someone who has an alcohol use disorder. This choice suggests a misunderstanding of the importance of seeking support for oneself, independent of the client’s actions.

Choice C Reason: The family can go to Al-Anon meetings for support.

Al-Anon is a support group specifically designed for family members and friends of individuals with alcohol use disorder. These meetings provide a safe space for loved ones to share their experiences, gain support, and learn effective coping strategies. Attending Al-Anon meetings can help family members understand the nature of addiction, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve their own well-being. This choice reflects an accurate understanding of the appropriate support resources available for families.

Choice D Reason: Support groups are an option for the client, not the family.

This statement is incorrect because support groups like Al-Anon are specifically designed for family members and friends of individuals with alcohol use disorder. These groups recognize that addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. By participating in support groups, family members can gain valuable insights, emotional support, and practical advice for coping with the challenges associated with a loved one’s addiction. This choice reflects a misunderstanding of the role and availability of support groups for families.