An outpatient diagnosed with bipolar disorder takes lithium ...

[LCritchfi]

An outpatient diagnosed with bipolar disorder takes lithium carbonate 300 mg three times daily. The patient reports nausea. To reduce the nausea most effectively, the nurse suggests that the lithium be taken with:
 
  a. meals.
  b. an antacid.
  c. an antiemetic.
  d. a large glass of juice.

Question 2

A patient waves a newspaper and says, I must have my credit card and use the computer right now. A store is having a big sale, and I need to order 10 dresses and four pairs of shoes. Select the nurse's appropriate intervention. The nurse:
 
  a. suggests the patient have a friend do the shopping and bring purchases to the unit.
  b. invites the patient to sit together and look at new fashion magazines.
  c. tells the patient computer use is not allowed until self-control improves.
  d. asks whether the patient has enough money to pay for the purchases.

[taylorsonier]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Some patients find that taking lithium with meals diminishes nausea. The incorrect options are less helpful.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Situations such as this offer an opportunity to use the patient's distractibility to staff's advantage. Patients become frustrated when staff deny requests that the patient sees as entirely reasonable. Distracting the patient can avoid power struggles. Suggesting that a friend do the shopping would not satisfy the patient's need for immediacy and would ultimately result in the extravagant expenditure. Asking whether the patient has enough money would likely precipitate an angry response.