a patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium what is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023

1. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect associated with lithium therapy. It is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient for changes in weight as it can impact the individual's overall health and well-being. Patients on lithium should be advised on dietary and lifestyle modifications to manage potential weight gain and maintain a healthy weight.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment to help the patient feel safe and reduce sensory overload. This approach can help the patient focus on calming down and regaining control. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may exacerbate the panic attack by increasing stress and arousal levels. Administering medication should be done following healthcare provider's orders, as it may not be appropriate to give medication immediately without proper assessment. Teaching relaxation techniques might not be effective during the acute phase of a panic attack when the individual is overwhelmed by intense anxiety.

3. James is a 42-year-old patient with schizophrenia. He approaches you as you arrive for the day shift and anxiously reports, ‘Last night, demons came to my room and tried to rape me.’ Which response would be most therapeutic?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the patient’s feelings, shows empathy, and encourages further expression of his experiences. By actively listening and inviting the patient to share more details, the healthcare provider provides a supportive environment that can help the patient feel understood and validated. Option A dismisses the patient's experience and can make him feel unheard. Option B denies the patient's reality and can increase his distress. Option D, while offering reassurance, does not address the patient's emotional state or encourage further communication.

4. Which of the following is an example of a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is a widely recognized mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings, prevent manic episodes, and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant, Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia, none of which are primary mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.

5. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performs hand washing repeatedly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with OCD who repetitively performs hand washing. This intervention provides structure by allowing the patient to engage in the behavior at designated times, helping to reduce the compulsion gradually. Restricting or setting strict limits may increase anxiety and worsen the condition, while ignoring the behavior does not address the underlying issue of OCD.

Similar Questions

What is the primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) when treating a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A charge nurse is conducting a class on therapeutic communication with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following aspects of communication should the nurse identify as a component of verbal communication?
Which intervention is most appropriate to promote the self-esteem of a patient with severe depression?
Ted, a former executive, is now unemployed due to manic episodes at work. He was diagnosed with bipolar I 8 years ago. Ted has a history of IV drug abuse, which resulted in hepatitis C. He is taking his lithium exactly as scheduled, a fact that both Ted’s wife and his blood tests confirm. To reduce Ted’s mania, the psychiatric nurse practitioner recommends:

Access More Features

ATI LPN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI LPN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses