Nursing Elites

1. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the effective use of newly prescribed lithium to manage bipolar mania? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. I remind myself to consistently drink six 12-ounce glasses of fluid every day.
• B. I discussed the diuretic prescribed by my cardiologist with my psychiatric care provider.
• C. Lithium may help me lose the few extra pounds I tend to carry around.
• D. I take my lithium on an empty stomach to help with absorption.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper hydration, discussing other medications, and taking lithium with or without food are important for effective and safe use of lithium. However, lithium is not prescribed for weight loss, and its usage should not be associated with losing extra pounds.

2. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• B. I need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. I should take this medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
• D. This medication may cause weight gain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Risperidone should be taken consistently as prescribed and should not be stopped abruptly. It is essential to educate the client that discontinuing the medication without medical advice can lead to a worsening of symptoms or potential relapse. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate understanding of important considerations when taking risperidone, such as avoiding alcohol, taking it with food to reduce stomach upset, and being aware of the potential side effect of weight gain. Choice A suggests a misconception that the medication can be discontinued once the client feels better, which is incorrect and requires further clarification to ensure treatment adherence and effectiveness.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). Which information should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
• B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Report any unusual side effects to the healthcare provider.
• D. It may take several weeks for this medication to take effect.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients taking fluoxetine (Prozac) should avoid alcohol to prevent adverse interactions.

4. When educating a client prescribed diazepam for anxiety, which statement indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?

• A. I should take this medication only when I feel anxious.
• B. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. I should avoid driving until I know how this medication affects me.
• D. I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients prescribed diazepam for anxiety should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can potentiate the side effects of diazepam, such as drowsiness and dizziness, increasing the risk of harm. Choice A is incorrect because diazepam is typically taken regularly as prescribed, not just when feeling anxious. Choice C is also important but not directly related to the medication itself. Choice D is dangerous advice; stopping diazepam abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should only be done under medical supervision.

5. Which of the following statements should a healthcare professional recognize as true about defense mechanisms? Select the one that doesn't apply.

• A. They are employed when there is a threat to biological or psychological integrity.
• B. They are controlled by the id and deal with primal urges.
• C. They are used in an effort to relieve mild to moderate anxiety.
• D. They are protective devices for the superego.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Defense mechanisms are employed by the ego in the face of threats to biological and psychological integrity to relieve mild to moderate anxiety. They act as protective devices for the ego, not the id or superego. The id represents primal instincts, while the superego is associated with moral standards. Defense mechanisms help individuals cope with stressors by redirecting focus and are often unconscious and self-deceptive.

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