"The nurse recognizes that the following statement best describes which phase in the cycle of battering: 'The woman senses that the man's tolerance for frustration is declining. He becomes angry with little provocation but may be quick to apologize. She may just try to stay out of his way.' Which of the following phases does this statement describe?"

Choice A reason:

Controlling the pace of establishing nurse-client relationships is important, but it does not directly contribute to building trust. Trust is built on consistency and predictability, which can be fostered by controlling the pace, but it is the authenticity and transparency in interactions that lay the foundation for trust.

Choice B reason:

Focusing on the words of the clients shows attentiveness and respect for what they are saying, which is a component of active listening. While this is an essential skill for nurses, it is the understanding and empathetic response to those words that will build trust, not just the focus on the words themselves.

Choice C reason:

Providing sympathy during interactions can be comforting to clients, but sympathy alone may not establish trust. Sympathy is feeling compassion for someone else's situation, whereas empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. Empathy leads to deeper connections and trust than sympathy alone.

Choice D reason:

Demonstrating genuineness when communicating is the most effective way to establish trust. Genuineness involves being open, honest, and authentic with clients. It means the nurse is true to themselves and to the clients, which helps to create a safe space where clients feel understood and valued, leading to trust.

Choice A Reason:

Monitoring blood levels of lithium is essential, especially during the initial phase of treatment. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and its levels can fluctuate based on several factors, including diet, hydration, and renal function. Regular blood tests help ensure that the lithium concentration stays within the therapeutic range, preventing toxicity or subtherapeutic dosin.

Choice B Reason:

While it is important to monitor for side effects such as severe diarrhea, stopping the medication abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider is not recommended. Severe diarrhea can affect lithium absorption and lead to dehydration, which may necessitate a dosage adjustment rather than complete cessation.

Choice C Reason:

Lithium is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, not on an empty stomach. Taking lithium on an empty stomach can increase the risk of nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Choice D Reason:

Patients on lithium are advised to maintain a consistent intake of sodium. A low-salt diet can lead to increased lithium retention, which can increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, patients should not consume a low-salt diet unless advised by their healthcare provider for other medical reasons.