Transient psychotic symptoms that occur with borderline personality disorder are most likely treated with which of the following?

Choice A reason: Physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes are important in evaluating depression. They help determine severity and guide treatment.

Choice B reason: Thinking processes, including cognitive distortions and concentration difficulties, are central to depression evaluation. They influence functioning and recovery.

Choice C reason: Potential for suicide is the most critical factor in depression evaluation. Assessing suicide risk ensures client safety and guides urgent interventions.

Choice D reason: Basic personality type is the least important factor. While personality traits may influence coping styles, they do not directly determine the severity or immediate management of depression. Clinical evaluation focuses more on symptoms and suicide risk.

Choice A reason:This is incorrect because water and salt do not convert lithium into a usable solute. Lithium is already a salt and is absorbed and distributed in the body without needing conversion.

Choice B reason:This is inaccurate because lithium does not compete with sodium chloride for receptor sites. Instead, lithium and sodium share similar renal excretion pathways, and sodium depletion can increase lithium reabsorption, leading to toxicity.

Choice C reason:This is correct because adequate salt and water intake help maintain stable lithium levels. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and dehydration or low sodium levels cause the kidneys to retain lithium, increasing the risk of toxicity. Maintaining hydration and normal sodium intake prevents dangerous fluctuations in serum lithium concentration.

Choice D reason:This is incorrect because lithium is not metabolized in the liver. It is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, so liver metabolism is not relevant to its clearance.