A 35-year-old male client who has been hospitalized for two weeks for chronic paranoia continues to state that someone is trying to steal his clothing. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because encouraging the client to actively participate in assigned activities can help distract him from his paranoid thoughts and promote engagement in therapeutic interventions. This can also help establish a routine and promote socialization. B: Confronting the client may escalate his paranoia and lead to increased distress. C: Limiting interactions may further isolate the client and exacerbate his paranoia. D: Administering PRN medication should be considered if the client becomes agitated or poses a risk to himself or others, but it does not address the underlying issue of paranoia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation are common side effects of many antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. These side effects are due to the medications' effects on neurotransmitters in the body. Weight gain, insomnia, and agitation (Option B) are more commonly associated with other classes of antidepressants like SSRIs. Nausea, dizziness, and headaches (Option C) are also common side effects but are not as specific to antidepressants. Fatigue, increased appetite, and sweating (Option D) are not typical side effects of most antidepressants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Excessive thirst in a client on lithium carbonate may indicate lithium toxicity. Step 2: Reporting the serum lithium level to the healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring and adjusting the dosage. Step 3: This intervention ensures timely intervention to prevent lithium toxicity complications. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect: - B: Sucking on hard candy won't address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. - C: Polydipsia is not a common side effect of lithium; it indicates possible toxicity. - D: Prohibiting faucet drinking doesn't address the immediate need to assess and manage lithium levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because encouraging activities that allow the patient to take control over his environment promotes empowerment and autonomy, which are essential for therapeutic milieu. This intervention helps the patient regain a sense of control and self-worth, fostering positive coping mechanisms. B: Providing constant supervision may make the patient feel restricted and monitored, impeding trust and therapeutic relationship. C: Limiting interactions with other clients may lead to feelings of isolation and lack of social support, which are crucial in therapeutic milieu. D: Administering sedative medications may address symptoms temporarily but does not address the underlying issues or promote active participation in the therapeutic process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps. These are early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Agitation is due to the brain's craving for the drug, sweating is a common withdrawal symptom, and abdominal cramps can result from the GI tract reacting to the absence of narcotics. Choice B is incorrect because lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension are more indicative of opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect as euphoria, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity are symptoms of narcotic use rather than withdrawal. Choice D is incorrect because confusion, fever, and tremors are not typical early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the expected early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal in this scenario.