Nursing Elites

1. A client with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium. The nurse should monitor the client for which early sign of lithium toxicity?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Tremors
• C. Polyuria
• D. Blurred vision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Diarrhea is an early sign of lithium toxicity. When a client being treated with lithium presents with diarrhea, it can indicate the beginning of lithium toxicity. Monitoring for this symptom is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity if not addressed promptly. Tremors (choice B) are more commonly associated with the therapeutic effects of lithium rather than toxicity. Polyuria (choice C) is a common side effect of lithium, but it is not typically an early sign of toxicity. Blurred vision (choice D) is not a common early sign of lithium toxicity. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

2. Unresolved feelings related to loss are most likely to be recognized during which phase of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship?

• A. Working
• B. Trusting
• C. Orientation
• D. Termination

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Unresolved feelings related to loss are often recognized and explored during the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship. This phase involves preparing the client for separation from the nurse, which can trigger unresolved feelings related to loss. During the termination phase, clients may confront their emotions about ending the therapeutic relationship and may also revisit unresolved issues or losses that have surfaced during the course of therapy. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the working phase focuses on active problem-solving and goal achievement, the trusting phase emphasizes establishing rapport and building trust, and the orientation phase involves initial introductions and orientation to the therapeutic process, respectively.

3. A nurse working on a mental health unit receives a community call from a person who is tearful and states, 'I just feel so nervous all of the time. I don't know what to do about my problems. I haven't been able to sleep at night and have hardly eaten for the past 3 or 4 days.' The nurse should initiate a referral based on which assessment?

• A. Altered thought processes.
• B. Moderate levels of anxiety.
• C. Inadequate social support.
• D. Altered health maintenance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should initiate a referral based on moderate levels of anxiety (B) as the client reports feeling nervous all the time, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, and difficulty solving problems. These symptoms are indicative of significant anxiety levels. The client does not mention symptoms related to altered thought processes (A) or inadequate social support (C). There is insufficient information to suggest altered health maintenance (D) as a reason for referral in this scenario.

4. A client diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia is being discharged on aripiprazole (Abilify) 5 mg every night. When developing the teaching plan about the most common adverse effects, which of the following should the nurse include? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Headaches that will subside in a few weeks
• B. Transient mild anxiety
• C. Insomnia
• D. Torticollis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Torticollis. Common side effects of aripiprazole include headaches, mild anxiety, and insomnia. These side effects are manageable during treatment. Torticollis is not a common adverse effect associated with aripiprazole and is more commonly seen with other medications or conditions. Therefore, the nurse should not include torticollis in the teaching plan about the most common adverse effects of aripiprazole.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with depression who has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). The client reports experiencing nausea. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. "You should stop taking the medication immediately."
• B. "Nausea is a common side effect and usually decreases over time."
• C. "Try taking the medication with food to reduce nausea."
• D. "I will inform the healthcare provider to change your medication."

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Nausea is a common side effect of sertraline, and clients should be reassured that it usually decreases as their body adjusts to the medication." Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful. Choice C is a good suggestion to reduce nausea by taking the medication with food but does not address the temporary nature of the side effect. Choice D is unnecessary at this point since nausea is a common side effect that may improve with time.

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