An adult client who is admitted to the mental health unit for treatment of bipolar disorder has a slightly slurred speech pattern and an unsteady gait. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Reference Range
Blood alcohol level [Reference Range: 0 to 10.9 mmol/L (0% to 0.05%)]
Lithium [Reference Range: 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L or 0.8 to 1.2 mmol/L]

Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L)

Six hours of sleep in the past three days.

Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L)

Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A: Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L) is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is within the reference range and does not indicate alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, which can affect the client's mental status and mood stability. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Six hours of sleep in the past three days is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is a common symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes and does not require immediate intervention by the health care provider. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L) is the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this indicates lithium toxicity, which can cause neurological and renal impairment and potentially fatal complications such as seizures, coma, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this may be related to decreased appetite or increased activity during manic episodes and does not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or safety. This is another distractor choice.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A is correct because a quiet, non-stimulating environment can help reduce the agitation, confusion, and hallucinations that are common in alcohol withdrawal delirium. The nurse should also provide reassurance, orientation, and safety measures to the client.

Choice B is incorrect because forcing oral fluids and providing frequent small meals are not the most important interventions for a client with alcohol withdrawal delirium. The client may have difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that can interfere with oral intake. The nurse should monitor the client's hydration and nutrition status and provide intravenous fluids or supplements as needed.

Choice C is incorrect because confronting the client's denial of substance abuse is not the most important intervention for a client with alcohol withdrawal delirium. The client may not be able to comprehend or accept the reality of their situation due to their altered mental state. The nurse should avoid arguing or challenging the client and focus on providing supportive care.

Choice D is incorrect because encouraging attendance and group participation are not the most important interventions for a client with alcohol withdrawal delirium. The client may not be able to participate in group activities due to their severe withdrawal symptoms and may need individualized care. The nurse should facilitate referrals to appropriate resources for substance abuse treatment when the client is stable and ready.

A. Yellow-tinged sputum B. Nausea and headache C. Watery diarrhea D. Increased fatigue

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: Yellow-tinged sputum is not a critical finding for the nurse to report, as this is a common sign of pneumonia and does not indicate an adverse reaction to meropenem. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Nausea and headache are not urgent findings for the nurse to report, as these are mild side effects of meropenem and can be managed with supportive measures. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Watery diarrhea is an important finding for the nurse to report, as this can indicate a serious complication of meropenem, such as Clostridioides difficile infection, which can cause severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and sepsis. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: Increased fatigue is not a significant finding for the nurse to report, as this can be related to the client's underlying condition and does not suggest a problem with meropenem. This is another distractor choice.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which nursing intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client with alcohol withdrawal delirium?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

In caring for a client who is receiving meropenem IV for nosocomial pneumonia, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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