A young adult client with a recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder takes lithium carbonate daily. The client informed the school nurse of the desire to live away from home to attend college after graduating in one month. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the client and his family?
The client should be aware of the signs and symptoms of his illness.
The client should plan to participate in group or individual therapy while at college.
Despite the illness, the client should be able to live away from home.
The client's serum lithium levels should be routinely evaluated.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
While it's important for the client to be aware of the signs and symptoms of their illness, medication monitoring is a more immediate concern.
Choice B rationale:
Participating in therapy can be beneficial, but it's not the most critical information to provide in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Living away from home is possible for many individuals with bipolar disorder, but medication management is a higher priority.
Choice D rationale:
Routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent lithium toxicity in individuals taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Clonazepam is not typically associated with a significant risk of causing urinary retention or frequent bathroom needs. There's no immediate need for bathroom assistance related to clonazepam use.
Choice B rationale:
Clonazepam is a medication that affects the central nervous system and can influence mental status. Regular assessment helps monitor for any changes or adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Clonazepam is administered orally, and it's important to ensure the client's oral health and comfort, especially since dry mouth can be a side effect.
Choice D rationale:
Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and potential changes in blood pressure, which could lead to orthostatic hypotension. Screening for this condition helps ensure the client's safety when changing positions.
Choice E rationale:
Clonazepam does not typically affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium levels is not a standard nursing intervention when starting clonazepam.
Choice F rationale:
Clonazepam is not an opioid, and it does not require having an opioid agonist at the bedside. This intervention is not relevant to clonazepam use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Ask the client why she checks the locks."
Asking "why" questions may put the client on the defensive and does not effectively address the compulsive behavior. Clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often do not have a logical explanation for their compulsions.
B. "Determine the type and size of the locks."
This action does not address the client’s compulsive behavior and is not relevant to the nursing intervention. The focus should be on reducing the compulsive behavior rather than assessing the locks themselves.
C. "Discuss checking the time frequently."
This response does not directly address the client’s compulsive checking behavior. Instead, structured interventions that promote time management and coping strategies should be implemented.
D. "Plan a list of activities to be carried out daily."
Providing a structured daily schedule can help redirect the client’s focus away from compulsive behaviors and toward productive activities. A schedule can reduce anxiety and limit the time available for compulsions, promoting better functioning.
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