Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
In preparing discharge planning for a client who has been prescribed lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder, the nurse must be sure that the client demonstrates an understanding of the need to monitor his or her diet for intake of:
A. Fats
fats are directly related to lithium therapy and does not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
B. Protein
proteins do not affect the blood levels of lithium hence they do not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
C. Sodium
Lithium is a salt that can affect the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and competes with sodium for their reabsorption in the kidneys. Therefore, if the client consumes too much or too little sodium, it can alter the level of lithium in the blood and cause toxicity or ineffectiveness hence the need for close monitoring.
D. Potassium
potassium does not affect the blood levels of lithium hence no special monitoring during intake is required.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI ns 130 Exam Psychosocial Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: fats are directly related to lithium therapy and does not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
Choice B rationale: proteins do not affect the blood levels of lithium hence they do not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
Choice C rationale: Lithium is a salt that can affect the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and competes with sodium for their reabsorption in the kidneys.
Therefore, if the client consumes too much or too little sodium, it can alter the level of lithium in the blood and cause toxicity or ineffectiveness hence the need for close monitoring.
Choice D rationale: potassium does not affect the blood levels of lithium hence no special monitoring during intake is required.
Similar Questions
Which laboratory value must be monitored frequently for the client who is on Lithium therapy?
A. Red blood cells
lithium does not affect the levels of red blood cells hence no monitoring is required during its intake.
B. Kidney function
lithium is excreted in the kidneys hence close kidney function monitoring is essential since it prevents lithium toxicity.
C. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
lithium does not affect the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels hence no frequent monitoring is required during its intake.
D. White Blood Cells
lithium does not affect the levels of white blood cells hence no monitoring is required during its intake.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: lithium does not affect the levels of red blood cells hence no monitoring is required during its intake.
Choice B rationale: lithium is excreted in the kidneys hence close kidney function monitoring is essential since it prevents lithium toxicity.
Choice C rationale: lithium does not affect the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels hence no frequent monitoring is required during its intake.
Choice D rationale: lithium does not affect the levels of white blood cells hence no monitoring is required during its intake.
Barriers to therapeutic communication include probing, giving advice and
A. Providing false reassurance
providing false reassurances invalidates the client’s feelings and concerns thus making them feel that the nurse is not trustworthy or empathetic. This may hinder the development of a therapeutic relationship.
B. Use of open-ended questions
the use of open-ended questions is appropriate since it allows the client to freely express their thoughts and feelings without being limited by the yes or no answers.
C. Active listening
active listening involves paying attention to the client’s verbal and non-verbal cues and clarifying any possible misunderstandings.
D. Silence
silence is crucial since it enables the client to reflect on their thoughts and to process their emotions. Furthermore, it is a form of respect for the client’s feelings.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: providing false reassurances invalidates the client’s feelings and concerns thus making them feel that the nurse is not trustworthy or empathetic. This may hinder the development of a therapeutic relationship.
Choice B rationale: the use of open-ended questions is appropriate since it allows the client to freely express their thoughts and feelings without being limited by the yes or no answers.
Choice C rationale: active listening involves paying attention to the client’s verbal and non-verbal cues and clarifying any possible misunderstandings.
Choice D rationale: silence is crucial since it enables the client to reflect on their thoughts and to process their emotions. Furthermore, it is a form of respect for the client’s feelings.
The basic goals of a therapeutic environment include all of the following except:
A. Transition clients out of the facility as quickly as possible
transitioning clients out of the facility as quickly as possible is not a goal of a therapeutic environment but instead the therapeutic environment focuses on providing maximum support and an appropriate level of care to clients until they are ready to transition to a less restrictive setup.
B. Protect the client and others during periods of maladaptive behavior.
this is essential for client safety and the safety of individuals surrounding them while promoting effective crisis management.
C. Help individuals develop self-worth and confidence.
this is appropriate since it enhances the client’s self-worth and confidence which is crucial in boosting their self-esteem and motivation.
D. Teach more effective adaptive skills.
this is correct since effective adaptive skills enable clients to cope with their challenges and improve their functioning.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: transitioning clients out of the facility as quickly as possible is not a goal of a therapeutic environment but instead the therapeutic environment focuses on providing maximum support and an appropriate level of care to clients until they are ready to transition to a less restrictive setup.
Choice B rationale: this is essential for client safety and the safety of individuals surrounding them while promoting effective crisis management.
Choice C rationale: this is appropriate since it enhances the client’s self-worth and confidence which is crucial in boosting their self-esteem and motivation.
Choice D rationale: this is correct since effective adaptive skills enable clients to cope with their challenges and improve their functioning.