The nurse is teaching a client with bipolar disorder about their newly prescribed lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which is the correct instructional information?
1. Serum levels must be tested regularly
2. For fine hand tremors, take a double dose of the medication.
3. Decrease salt and fluid intake
4. Discontinue the medication when feeling better
1
Rationale: Serum levels must be tested regularly to prevent drug toxicity. The client must have adequate salt and fluid intake. The medication must be continued when the client is feeling better because discontinuance may precipitate mania. Since fine hand tremors may indicate lithium toxicity, a double dose of the medication may increase symptoms of toxicity.
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Which patient position is optimal to prevent elevated ICP pressures?
a. The head of the bed elevated 30 to 40 degrees b. Supine with the patient's neck in a neutral alignment c. Individualized head position to maximize cerebral perfusion pressure and minimize ICP measurements d. The head of the bed elevated with flexion of the hips
When suicidal clients are admitted to a hospital, objects that can easily be used for self-harm are
removed from their possession. The rationale for this intervention is that a. the environment must be made completely safe. b. psychiatric clients cannot be trusted with dangerous objects. c. having to depend on staff to meet needs promotes a trusting relationship. d. removing known harmful objects conveys the staff's concern for client safety.
The nurse is performing an assessment of an 82-year-old patient's eyes. Which patient statements should the nurse expect based on the patient's age?
Select all that apply. 1. "I've been having some drainage from the inside corner of my eye." 2. "My eyes feel so dry most of the time." 3. "I have almost fallen several times at home going down our basement stairs." 4. "I have this white circle around the color of my eyes." 5. "I have a hard time driving at night."
The nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for an arthrography. What should the nurse explain to the patient about pain expectations during the procedure?
a. "There is no pain during the procedure." b. "There is pain while the x-ray is taken." c. "There is temporary pain during dye injection." d. "The procedure will be uncomfortable until it is completed."