Nursing Elites

1. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote). What is the most important laboratory test for the LPN/LVN to monitor?

• A. Liver function tests.
• B. Kidney function tests.
• C. Thyroid function tests.
• D. Complete blood count.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Liver function tests. Monitoring liver function tests is crucial for clients prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) due to the medication's potential to affect liver function and increase the risk of liver toxicity. While kidney function tests (choice B), thyroid function tests (choice C), and complete blood count (choice D) are important in various clinical scenarios, the priority when administering valproic acid is to monitor liver function to prevent adverse effects associated with this medication.

2. A male hospital employee is pushed out of the way by a female employee because of an oncoming gurney. The pushed employee becomes very angry and swings at the female employee. Both employees are referred for counseling with the staff psychiatric nurse. Which factor in the pushed employee's history is most related to the reaction that occurred?

• A. Is worried about losing his job to a woman
• B. Tortured animals as a child
• C. Was physically abused by his mother
• D. Hates to be touched by anyone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Was physically abused by his mother.' A history of physical abuse can lead to heightened responses to physical contact. In this scenario, the employee's reaction of becoming very angry and swinging at the female employee after being pushed may be influenced by past experiences of physical abuse. This history can contribute to increased sensitivity to physical interactions and may trigger defensive or aggressive responses. Choices A, B, and D are less directly related to the employee's reaction in this specific context. While worrying about losing his job to a woman could contribute to underlying stress or insecurity, torturing animals as a child reflects a different type of behavioral issue, and hating to be touched by anyone suggests personal boundaries unrelated to the observed behavior in this scenario.

3. A client's medication sheet contains a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft). To ensure safe administration of the medication, a nurse would administer the dose:

• A. On an empty stomach
• B. At the same time each evening
• C. Evenly spaced around the clock
• D. As needed when the client complains of depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'At the same time each evening.' Sertraline should be administered at the same time each evening to maintain steady drug levels and effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because sertraline can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as sertraline does not need to be spaced around the clock. Choice D is incorrect as sertraline is a scheduled medication and should not be taken on an as-needed basis for complaints of depression.

4. A male adolescent is admitted with bipolar disorder after being released from jail for assault with a deadly weapon. When the nurse asks the teen to identify his reason for the assault, he replies, 'Because he made me mad!' Which goal is best for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care? The client will

• A. outline methods for managing anger.
• B. control impulsive actions toward self and others.
• C. verbalize feelings when anger occurs.
• D. recognize consequences for behaviors exhibited.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the client's response indicates poor impulse control, a common issue in individuals with bipolar disorder. The most critical goal for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care is to help the client control impulsive actions toward self and others. This goal is essential for preventing harmful behaviors and mitigating the social consequences associated with impulsivity. While outlining methods for managing anger, verbalizing feelings when anger occurs, and recognizing consequences for behaviors exhibited are important aspects of therapy, they do not directly address the urgent need to control impulsive behavior in this case.

5. A female client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

• A. I don't hear any voices. They must be in your head.
• B. What are the voices telling you to do?
• C. You need to ignore the voices and focus on reality.
• D. I know the voices are real to you, but I don't hear them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acknowledging the client's experience while gently presenting reality can help build trust and provide reassurance without reinforcing the hallucination.

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