After teaching a client about lithium carbonate (Lithane), a nurse would consider the teaching successful on the basis of which client statement?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because diarrhea and ringing in the ears are potential side effects of lithium carbonate that should be reported to the doctor immediately to prevent complications. This response demonstrates understanding of the importance of monitoring side effects. A is incorrect because the therapeutic effects of lithium carbonate may take weeks to manifest, not a couple of days. C is incorrect because doubling the dose after missing one can lead to overdose and toxicity. D is incorrect because while lithium carbonate can affect sodium levels, strict salt restriction is not necessary unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of the beta blocker acebutolol in dysrhythmias is to decrease heart rate and decrease myocardial contractility. This is because beta blockers work by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contractility. This helps in controlling the rhythm of the heart and preventing arrhythmias. Choice A is incorrect as the primary purpose of acebutolol is not to increase oxygen to the systemic circulation. Choice B is incorrect as while beta blockers do help in maintaining heart rate, they do not necessarily regulate blood pressure directly. Choice D is incorrect as beta blockers actually decrease myocardial contractility rather than increase it.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because memory difficulties are often associated with a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the brain. Medications that prevent the destruction of acetylcholine can help improve memory function. Option A, increasing dopamine activity, is more related to conditions like Parkinson's disease. Option B, increasing GABA levels, is more relevant to anxiety disorders. Option C, reducing dopamine activity at receptor sites, is not directly linked to memory improvement but rather to conditions like schizophrenia. Thus, option D is the most appropriate choice for addressing memory issues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dizziness. Benzodiazepines commonly cause dizziness as a side effect due to their central nervous system depressant effects. Dizziness can be an indicator of the medication affecting the patient's balance and coordination. Reduced irritability (B) and reduced nervousness (C) are actually intended therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines, not side effects. Physiological dependency (D) is a potential long-term consequence of benzodiazepine use but is not a direct side effect that can be easily assessed. Therefore, dizziness is the most immediate and observable sign of a medication side effect in a patient prescribed a benzodiazepine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: His respiratory rate. Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to assess the patient's respiratory rate. Opioids like morphine can cause respiratory depression, especially in post-operative patients. Monitoring respiratory rate will help detect any signs of respiratory distress or depression, which can be life-threatening. Pulse rate (A) and appearance of the incision (C) are important but not as critical as respiratory rate in this scenario. The date of his last bowel movement (D) is not directly related to the immediate safety of administering morphine sulfate.