Which of the following nursing interventions should a nurse perform when caring for a female client with mood disorder who is prescribed lithium?
Instruct to resume regular activities such as driving.
Administer lithium before meals.
Withhold if serum level is less than 1.5 mEq.
Instruct to avoid breastfeeding.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Instruct to resume regular activities such as driving. It is not safe to instruct the client to resume activities like driving immediately, especially at the beginning of lithium therapy, as lithium can cause side effects that may impair the client's ability to safely perform tasks such as driving.
B. Administer lithium before meals. Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Administering it before meals may increase the risk of side effects like nausea.
C. Withhold if serum level is less than 1.5 mEq. Lithium should be withheld if the serum level is above the therapeutic range (typically 0.6–1.2 mEq/L), as higher levels can lead to toxicity. Withholding lithium if the level is less than 1.5 mEq/L is incorrect and could lead to inadequate treatment.
D. Instruct to avoid breastfeeding. Lithium is excreted in breast milk and can pose a risk to the infant, so the client should be advised against breastfeeding while on lithium therapy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Assisting the client with meals: Assisting the client with meals is appropriate, as clients with dysphagia may need help to ensure safe swallowing and to avoid choking or aspiration.
B. Placing food on the affected side of the mouth: This is contraindicated because placing food on the affected side could increase the risk of choking or aspiration, as the client may not have adequate control over swallowing on the affected side.
C. Testing the gag reflex before offering food or fluids: Testing the gag reflex is appropriate for ensuring that the client has an intact protective reflex before eating or drinking, reducing the risk of aspiration.
D. Allowing ample time to eat: Allowing the client ample time to eat is important to prevent rushing, which could increase the risk of choking or aspiration. It ensures that the client can safely swallow their food.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for short-term management of anxiety disorders due to their rapid anxiolytic effects.
B. SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently used as first-line treatment for various anxiety disorders due to their efficacy and favorable side effect profile.
C. Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are also used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, although they are less commonly prescribed than SSRIs due to their side effect profile.
D. Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers are not typically used to treat anxiety disorders. They are mainly used for cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and arrhythmias.
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