A client began taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing response?

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Question 1 of 5

A client began taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “Weight gain is a common, but troubling, side effect.” This response acknowledges the client's concern, validates their experience, and provides accurate information. Weight gain is a known side effect of lithium carbonate, affecting a significant number of individuals. It is essential for the nurse to acknowledge this common side effect to educate and support the client effectively. Choice A is incorrect because weight gain, not weight loss, is typically associated with lithium carbonate. Choice B is incorrect as it implies the client is solely responsible for the weight gain, which may lead to feelings of guilt or shame. Choice D is incorrect because weight gain can occur beyond the first month of treatment with lithium carbonate.

Question 2 of 5

A patient has schizophrenia and is troubled by negative symptoms, muscle stiffness, and motor restlessness. His Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) is considering changing the patient’s antipsychotic medication, haloperidol (Haldol, a typical or first generation antipsychotic drug). For planning purposes, which medication can the nurse assume that the APN will probably choose?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Olanzapine (Zyprexa). The nurse will likely choose olanzapine because it is an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic drug that is effective in treating negative symptoms, muscle stiffness, and motor restlessness associated with schizophrenia. Olanzapine has a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to haloperidol, making it a safer option for the patient. Chlorpromazine (A) is an older typical antipsychotic with similar side effect profile as haloperidol. Clozapine (B) is effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia but is not typically a first choice due to its potential for serious side effects. Fluoxetine (D) is an antidepressant and not typically used as a first-line treatment for schizophrenia symptoms.

Question 3 of 5

Which category of drug has the highest annual turnover in Australia, measured in billions of dollars?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: pharmaceuticals. This is because pharmaceuticals are legal drugs that are prescribed and purchased in large quantities for various health conditions, leading to a high annual turnover. Tobacco and alcohol, although widely consumed, have lower annual turnovers compared to pharmaceuticals due to stricter regulations and limitations on their sales. Illicit drugs, on the other hand, are illegal substances and are not included in legal market turnovers. Therefore, pharmaceuticals have the highest annual turnover in Australia due to their widespread use for medical purposes.

Question 4 of 5

Which of the following are basic responsibilities of nurses who administer psychotherapeutic drugs? Select the one tha does not apply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Adjusting medication dosages according to therapeutic levels Rationale: Nurses are responsible for administering psychotherapeutic drugs, not adjusting dosages. Only the prescribing healthcare provider should determine and adjust medication dosages based on the client's response and therapeutic levels. Nurses should monitor and evaluate the client's response, continually assess their condition, and assist in coordinating their care to ensure the client's well-being and safety. Adjusting medication dosages is beyond the scope of a nurse's practice and should only be done by a licensed healthcare provider.

Question 5 of 5

For a client who has experienced a temporal lobe injury, the nurse would anticipate assessing problems with:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Motivation and memory. Temporal lobe injuries often affect memory functions due to their role in memory formation and retrieval. Additionally, the temporal lobe is involved in regulating motivation and emotional responses. Therefore, it is common for clients with temporal lobe injuries to experience issues with motivation and memory. Choice A (Personality and intellectual function) is incorrect because these functions are primarily associated with the frontal lobe. Choice B (Attention selectivity and span) is incorrect as these are more closely related to the parietal lobe. Choice C (Form and color recognition) is incorrect as these functions are mainly associated with the occipital lobe.

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