a patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium what is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for
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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 principle should guide a nurse's fear about 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient in nurse-patient communication?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Effective nurse-patient communication is guided by the principle that patients value sincere and respectful interactions. A nurse's well-meaning approach that conveys acceptance, respect, and concern helps establish trust and rapport with patients, even if the nurse is apprehensive about making mistakes. It is essential for the nurse to focus on genuine intent and respect for the patient's situation rather than being consumed by the fear of saying something wrong.

3. When orienting a new client to a mental health unit, which of the following statements should the nurse make about the unit’s community meetings?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During community meetings in a mental health unit, clients come together with staff to discuss common problems they may be facing. These meetings are designed to foster a sense of community and provide support and guidance to clients. Choice A is incorrect because community meetings focus on discussions beyond individual treatment plans. Choice B is incorrect as while staff may facilitate the meetings, the focus is on clients' concerns, not a predetermined agenda. Choice D is incorrect as the primary purpose of community meetings is to address shared challenges, not individual mental health issues.

4. Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is the medication frequently prescribed to stabilize mood in patients with bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Sertraline is an antidepressant commonly used for depression, while haloperidol and diazepam are not typically first-line treatments for bipolar disorder.

5. Luc’s family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated, and they suspect he is in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The medic is most likely counting energy drink containers. Energy drink containers could indicate high caffeine intake, which can exacerbate manic episodes by increasing agitation and exacerbating symptoms in individuals with mood disorders.

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