Choice A rationale:
High serum sodium levels do not directly cause toxic levels of valproate.
Choice B rationale:
While regular health monitoring is important, specifically performing thyroid function tests every 6 months is not a standard requirement for valproate use.
Choice C rationale:
A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) is not typically required before starting valproate.
Choice D rationale:
Liver function tests must be monitored as valproate can cause liver failure that may be fatal.

Choice A rationale:
Having consistent unit routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be beneficial for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a stimulating environment can potentially exacerbate symptoms of mania, making it an inappropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Scheduling daily seclusion times is not typically recommended as it can lead to feelings of isolation.
Choice D rationale:
Discouraging daytime napping can potentially lead to fatigue and worsen symptoms, so it’s not typically recommended.

Choice A rationale:
While educating the client about policies upon admission to the unit is important, it may not have the greatest impact on both the management of care and on milieu environment.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client that intrusive behaviors are not appropriate is important, but it may not have the greatest impact on both the management of care and on milieu environment.
Choice C rationale:
Ensuring that the client’s medication therapy is administered in a timely manner is crucial, but it may not have the greatest impact on both the management of care and on milieu environment.
Choice D rationale:
Setting and maintaining consistent unit policies that are enforced by all staff can create a stable and predictable environment, which can have a significant impact on both the management of care and on milieu environment.

Choice A rationale:
The client is displaying manifestations of lithium toxicity, which includes ataxia and blurred vision. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication.
Choice B rationale:
Administering the next dose as prescribed could potentially exacerbate the client’s symptoms and increase the risk of further toxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Propranolol is not typically used in the management of lithium toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism and is not relevant in this context.

Choice A rationale:
Vitamin K is not specifically related to the management of bipolar disorder or the use of lithium.
Choice B rationale:
Clients under lithium therapy don’t need to limit their sodium intake. It is recommended to keep salt intake the same as before prescription of the lithium medication.
Choice C rationale:
While potassium is an important dietary element, it is not specifically related to the management of bipolar disorder or the use of lithium.
Choice D rationale:
Vitamin C is not specifically related to the management of bipolar disorder or the use of lithium.

Choice A rationale:
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Valproate is an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.
Choice C rationale:
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that has been found effective in managing mood swings in bipolar disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Donepezil is primarily used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and is not typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Choice E rationale:
Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant known as an SSRI, and it can be used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Choice A rationale:
Asking direct questions about the hallucination may validate the hallucination as real in the client’s mind.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client to argue with the voices could potentially increase the client’s distress.
Choice C rationale:
Acting as if the hallucination is real may reinforce the client’s belief in the hallucination.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that the hallucination is not a part of reality can help ground the client in reality.

Ventricular fibrillation: The correct electricity is Defibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Defibrillation is the process of delivering an electric shock to the heart to stop the fibrillation and allow the heart’s normal rhythm to resume4.

PVC-run ventricular tachycardia with a pulse: The correct electricity is Synchronized Cardioversion. This is used when the patient is hemodynamically stable. It involves the delivery of a therapeutic dose of electrical current to the heart at a specific moment in the cardiac cycle5.

Atrial Flutter: The correct electricity is Synchronized Cardioversion. Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. It can be treated with synchronized cardioversion, in which a controlled electric shock is delivered to the heart to restore normal rhythm5.

Bradycardia: The correct electricity is Transcutaneous Pacing. This is a temporary means of pacing a patient’s heart during a medical emergency. It should be undertaken by healthcare providers who are trained in the procedure5.

So, the correct answer is Defibrillation for Ventricular fibrillation, Synchronized Cardioversion for PVC-run ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and Atrial Flutter, and Transcutaneous Pacing for Bradycardia, after analyzing all choices.

Choice A rationale:
Command hallucinations can direct the patient to harm themselves or others, making it the priority to address.
Choice B rationale:
Tactile hallucinations, while distressing, are not typically as immediately dangerous as command hallucinations.
Choice C rationale:
Gustatory hallucinations, while potentially disturbing, do not usually pose an immediate threat.
Choice D rationale:
Visual hallucinations, while potentially distressing, are not typically as immediately dangerous as command hallucinations.

Choice A rationale:
Ensuring the client goes to group activities as planned is important, but not the priority when the client is confused and has distorted thinking.
Choice B rationale:
Using distraction such as television or music can be helpful, but it is not the priority intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Providing reassurance and comfort ensuring the client is safe is the priority as it directly addresses the client’s immediate needs.
Choice D rationale:
Giving PRN medications to treat increased hallucinations may be necessary, but it is not the first action to take.

Choice A rationale:

Group discussions about local elections can be stimulating and may exacerbate the client’s manic symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Watching a video with a group in the day room may not provide enough engagement for a client in a manic phase.

Choice C rationale:

Walking with the nurse in the courtyard provides physical activity and one-on-one interaction, which can help manage energy levels and provide a calming influence.

Choice D rationale:

Participating in a basketball game in the gym could overstimulate the client and potentially lead to injury.

Choice A rationale:
Respiratory depression and a comatose state are not typically associated with agranulocytosis.
Choice B rationale:
Agranulocytosis, a potential side effect of clozapine, can cause symptoms like a sore throat and muscle aches due to the body’s decreased ability to fight off infections.
Choice C rationale:
Increased anxiety and suicidal ideations are not typically symptoms of agranulocytosis.
Choice D rationale:
Severe restlessness is not a common symptom of agranulocytosis.

Choice A rationale:
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that can be used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)5.
Choice B rationale:
Artane (Trihexyphenidyl) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat EPS5.
Choice C rationale:
Flumazenil is not typically used to treat EPS5.
Choice D rationale:
Cogentin (Benztropine) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat EPS5.
Choice E rationale:
Acetylcysteine is not typically used to treat EPS5.

Choice A rationale:
Stopping medication can be a sign of non-compliance or dissatisfaction with treatment, but it is not a direct warning sign of suicide.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting an appointment to discuss depression is a positive step towards seeking help and managing mental health.
Choice C rationale:
Sleeping 12 hours a day could indicate depression or other mental health issues, but it is not a specific warning sign of suicide.
Choice D rationale:
Giving away possessions can be a warning sign of suicide as it might indicate that the person is putting their affairs in order, which is a serious suicide warning sign.

Choice A rationale:
Encouraging family to take the client out of the facility for short periods of time can be beneficial, but it does not address the sudden change in behavior.
Choice B rationale:
Rewarding the client for her change in behavior can reinforce positive behavior, but it does not address the sudden change in behavior.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client why her behavior has changed can provide insight, but it does not ensure the safety of the client.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring the client’s whereabouts at all times is important as a sudden change in mood can indicate a higher risk of suicide.

Choice A rationale:

Pseudoparkinsonism is a side effect of antipsychotic medications that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and rigidity. It does not typically cause hyperpyrexia or diaphoresis.

Choice B rationale:

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications. It can cause severe fever (hyperpyrexia), unstable blood pressure, and heavy sweating (diaphoresis)4.

Choice C rationale:

Acute dystonia is a condition of sudden, involuntary muscle contractions. It does not typically cause hyperpyrexia or diaphoresis.

Choice D rationale:

Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, causing involuntary movements, especially around the mouth. It does not typically cause hyperpyrexia or diaphoresis.

Choice A rationale:
Increased flatulence is not typically associated with lithium toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Vomiting is a common symptom of lithium toxicity, indicating the client understands the teaching.
Choice C rationale:
While loss of appetite can occur in various conditions, it’s not a specific indicator of lithium toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
Headaches can be caused by various factors and are not specifically associated with lithium toxicity.

Choice A rationale:

Extrapyramidal symptoms are a common adverse effect of haloperidol.

Choice B rationale:

Intractable hiccups are not typically associated with haloperidol.

Choice C rationale:

Fever is not a common side effect of haloperidol, but could indicate a serious condition like neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive salivation is not typically a side effect of haloperidol.

Choice A rationale:

While acknowledging the voices can be part of therapeutic communication, it’s not the first response a nurse should make.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the client that the voices are part of their illness can be helpful, but it’s not the first response a nurse should make.

Choice C rationale:

Asking about the frequency of the voices can be part of the assessment, but it’s not the first response a nurse should make.

Choice D rationale:

Asking what the voices are saying can help assess if the client is experiencing command hallucinations, which could pose a safety risk.

Choice A rationale:
Sexual dysfunction is not typically associated with extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). EPS are usually characterized by involuntary motor symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Muscle spasms of the neck, also known as dystonia, are a common symptom of EPS12.
Choice C rationale:
Tremors of the hands can be a sign of EPS, often associated with drug-induced parkinsonism.
Choice D rationale:
Fidgeting behavior, or akathisia, is a common symptom of EPS. It is characterized by a feeling of restlessness and an inability to sit still.
Choice E rationale:
Blurred vision is not typically associated with EPS. It is more likely to be a side effect of the medication itself, not a symptom of EPS12.

Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea is not a specific reason to stop lithium. However, severe diarrhea can affect lithium levels and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Lithium does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. It can be taken with or without food.
Choice C rationale:
A low-salt diet is not recommended while on lithium. In fact, a consistent, normal sodium intake is important because low sodium levels can cause lithium levels to become too high.
Choice D rationale:
Regular blood tests are necessary when taking lithium to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Weekly blood tests may be required during the first month of treatment.

Choice A rationale:
Fluvastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol. It is not used to treat mania in bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for treating anxiety, not typically used as a first-line treatment for mania.
Choice C rationale:
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that is used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can help reduce symptoms of mania.
Choice D rationale:
Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions. It is not typically used to treat mania in bipolar disorder.

Choice A rationale:
Assigning a staff member to stay with the client at all times is the priority action when a client declines to make a safety contract. This is because the immediate safety of the client is the primary concern in such situations.
Choice B rationale:
Locking the doors to the unit and securing windows so they cannot be opened might be considered a safety measure, but it is not the priority. The focus should be on direct supervision to ensure safety.
Choice C rationale:
Removing any objects from the client’s environment that could be used for self-harm is important, but it is not the priority. The immediate safety of the client through constant supervision is the priority.
Choice D rationale:
Providing the client with plastic eating utensils for meals is a safety measure, but it is not the priority. The immediate safety of the client through constant supervision is the priority.

Choice A rationale:
Muscle weakness is a manifestation of mild lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic levels, so clients should be monitored for adverse effects.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is not typically associated with lithium toxicity. Diarrhea, not constipation, is a symptom of lithium toxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Urinary retention is not a typical symptom of lithium toxicity. Increased urination and thirst are common side effects of lithium.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperactivity is not a typical symptom of lithium toxicity. Lithium is used to manage bipolar disorder and can help reduce hyperactivity.

Choice A rationale:

Weight gain is a common side effect of risperidone. Antipsychotic medications like risperidone often lead to weight gain.

Choice B rationale:

Bradycardia is not typically associated with risperidone. Risperidone can cause mild heart rate changes, but significant bradycardia is not common.

Choice C rationale:

Nightmares are not a typical side effect of risperidone. Sleep disturbances can occur, but they are not the most common side effect.

Choice D rationale:

Dependent edema is not a common side effect of risperidone.