A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight gain. Lithium is known to cause weight gain as a common side effect in patients with bipolar disorder. This is due to its impact on the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. Monitoring for weight changes is crucial as it can affect the patient's overall health and well-being. Increased energy (A) is not a common side effect of lithium and can be a sign of hypomania or mania in bipolar disorder. Constipation (B) and dry mouth (D) are possible side effects of some medications, but they are not typically associated with lithium.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. This is crucial because alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. It is important to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam does not necessarily need to be taken with food. Choice C is incorrect as alprazolam is typically taken during the day due to its sedative effects. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the dose without medical guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. This is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder as individuals often engage in reckless behaviors without considering the consequences. They may have self-harming tendencies and engage in impulsive actions like substance abuse or risky sexual behavior. A: Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder. B: Fear of social situations is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not borderline personality disorder. C: Grandiose sense of self-importance is a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, not borderline personality disorder. In summary, impulsive and self-destructive behaviors are key features of borderline personality disorder, distinguishing it from other mental health conditions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This is because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially life-threatening side effect of haloperidol, characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. It requires immediate medical intervention. Assessing for tardive dyskinesia (A) is important but not as urgent as monitoring for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Checking for signs of depression (C) is relevant but not a priority when the patient is at risk of a serious adverse reaction. Monitoring changes in appetite (D) is less critical than assessing for neuroleptic malignant syndrome, as it is a common side effect that does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Buspirone is not meant for immediate relief, so taking it consistently is crucial for its effectiveness. 2. Buspirone takes time to build up in the body and show its full effect, usually a few weeks. 3. Buspirone is known for having a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. 4. Taking buspirone consistently is essential, unlike benzodiazepines which are often taken on an as-needed basis. Therefore, choice A is incorrect as it goes against the appropriate usage of buspirone for treating generalized anxiety disorder.