Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
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.
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: 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.
Similar Questions
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.
The nurse is administering medications to a client with a diagnosis of a mental illness with a mood disorder. The nurse would expect to see which medications were ordered for this client. (Select all that apply)
A. Risperdal (Risperidone)
Risperdal is an antipsychotic that can help reduce psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, as well as stabilize mood swings.
B. Lithium (Eskalith)
Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can prevent manic episodes and reduce the risk of suicide.
C. Ativan (Lorazepam)
Ativan is a benzodiazepine that can relieve anxiety and panic attacks.
D. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and sedation, but has no effect on mood.
E. Depakote (Valproic Acid)
Depakote is a mood stabilizer that can also treat seizures and migraines.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale: Risperdal is an antipsychotic that can help reduce psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, as well as stabilize mood swings.
Choice B rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can prevent manic episodes and reduce the risk of suicide.
Choice C rationale: Ativan is a benzodiazepine that can relieve anxiety and panic attacks.
Choice D rationale: Benadryl is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and sedation, but has no effect on mood.
Choice E rationale: Depakote is a mood stabilizer that can also treat seizures and migraines.