Nursing Elites

1. A client with bipolar disorder is being discharged with a prescription for lithium. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Avoid foods high in sodium.
• B. Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
• C. Take your medication with food.
• D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for clients taking lithium as dehydration can lead to lithium toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because while it is important to monitor sodium intake, staying hydrated is more critical. Choice C is incorrect as lithium is usually recommended to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Choice D is also important but not the most crucial instruction compared to ensuring proper hydration.

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 client who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting manipulative behavior. What is the most important intervention for the LPN/LVN to implement?

• A. Set clear, consistent limits on manipulative behavior.
• B. Ignore the manipulative behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
• C. Remind the client that manipulative behavior is unacceptable.
• D. Explain the consequences of manipulative behavior to the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting clear, consistent limits on manipulative behavior is the most important intervention for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This approach helps establish boundaries, maintain a therapeutic environment, and provide structure for the client. Choice B is incorrect because ignoring manipulative behavior can lead to its reinforcement. Choice C, while important, may not be as effective as directly setting limits. Choice D focuses on consequences rather than immediate intervention, making it less effective than setting clear limits.

4. A young adult male client, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, believes that the world is trying to poison him. What intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?

• A. Remind the client that his suspicions are not true.
• B. Ask one nurse to spend time with the client daily.
• C. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
• D. Assign the client to a room closest to the activity room.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with paranoid schizophrenia has difficulty with trust and developing a trusting relationship with one nurse (B) is likely to be therapeutic for this client. Choice (A) is argumentative and may increase the client's resistance. Choice (C) might be too overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for the client. Choice (D) could increase the client's stress and anxiety, which are counterproductive in managing paranoid ideations.

5. A female client with major depression is prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). She reports experiencing increased energy but still feels sad and hopeless. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. ''These feelings are normal and will pass with time.''
• B. ''Increased energy can sometimes lead to increased risk for self-harm.''
• C. ''The medication needs more time to be effective.''
• D. ''Let's talk about the things that make you feel this way.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased energy without improvement in mood can increase the risk of self-harm in clients with depression. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this potential risk and closely monitor the client for any signs of self-harm. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the client's persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness as normal may invalidate her experiences. Choice C is incorrect as fluoxetine (Prozac) typically starts showing effectiveness within a few weeks, so further delay is concerning. Choice D is incorrect because while discussing the client's feelings is important, the immediate focus should be on addressing the potential risk of self-harm associated with increased energy.

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