a patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium which dietary advice should the nurse include

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which dietary advice should the nurse include?

A. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
C. Increase protein intake.
D. Avoid foods high in fat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed lithium should maintain a consistent salt intake. Fluctuations in salt intake can impact lithium levels, potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness of the medication. It is crucial for patients to adhere to a stable salt intake while taking lithium to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is more relevant for patients on MAOIs, not lithium. Increasing protein intake or avoiding foods high in fat are not specific dietary recommendations for patients taking lithium.

2. 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:

A. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D. Lurasidone (Latuda)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be an effective treatment for reducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder who have not responded to medication. In Ted's case, where he has a history of bipolar I disorder, lithium treatment, and manic episodes, ECT may be recommended by the psychiatric nurse practitioner to help manage his symptoms.

3. Which is an example of the ego defense mechanism of regression?

A. A mother blames the teacher for her child's failure in school.
B. A teenager becomes hysterical after seeing a friend killed in a car accident.
C. A woman wants to marry a man exactly like her beloved father.
D. An adult throws a temper tantrum when he does not get his own way.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development for comfort. In this case, an adult throwing a temper tantrum is regressing to a childlike behavior when faced with not getting their way, which is a form of seeking comfort associated with earlier development. Choices A, B, and C do not exemplify regression. Blaming the teacher, becoming hysterical after a traumatic event, or seeking a partner similar to a beloved father are not instances of reverting to earlier developmental stages to cope with stress or conflict.

4. A female patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been prescribed a first-generation antipsychotic medication. What information should the nurse provide to the patient regarding her signs and symptoms?

A. Her memory problems will likely decrease.
B. Depressive episodes should be less severe.
C. She will probably enjoy social interactions more.
D. She should experience a reduction in hallucinations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: First-generation antipsychotic medications are effective in reducing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. These medications primarily target positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, the nurse should inform the patient that she should experience a reduction in hallucinations with the prescribed first-generation antipsychotic medication.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.

A. Restlessness
B. Fatigue
C. Excessive worry
D. Mania

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, and excessive worry. These symptoms are typical in individuals with GAD due to persistent and excessive anxiety. Mania, on the other hand, is not a characteristic symptom of GAD. Mania is associated with bipolar disorder and is characterized by distinct features like elevated mood, grandiosity, and impulsivity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Mania,' as it does not align with the expected findings in generalized anxiety disorder.