The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected mental health disorder who is having blood drawn to check electrolyte levels. The patient says, "What does my blood work have to do with my mental health?" Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. "Electrolyte imbalances are the cause of certain mental health disorders."
b. "Some mental health disorders cause the electrolytes to be out of balance."
c. "The doctor wants to make sure your symptoms are not caused by a physical problem."
d. "People with mental illnesses frequently take illicit drugs that can cause electrolyte imbalances."
ANS: C
Some mental health symptoms can be caused by physical illness. Laboratory tests are done to rule out problems such as electrolyte imbalances, hypothyroidism, infections, dehydration, drug toxicity, or pregnancy. Electrolyte imbalances can cause symptoms but do not cause mental illness. There is no evidence in the question that the patient takes illicit drugs.
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