Author Question: Select the most appropriate comment by the nurse when a depressed patient says, What's the use in ... (Read 59 times)

DyllonKazuo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Select the most appropriate comment by the nurse when a depressed patient says, What's the use in going on?

a. Are you thinking about suicide?
b. I am not sure I understand what you are saying.
c. Keep your hope alive. It's always darkest just before light.
d. Tell me more about your activities before you got depressed.

Question 2

A patient has taken lithium (Lithane) 600 mg three times daily for 1 week. A laboratory result in which range shows that the desired serum lithium level was achieved?

a. 0.2 to 0.6 mEq/L
b. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
c. 1.2 to 2 mEq/L
d. 2 to 2.6 mEq/L

emsimon14 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The possibility of suicide must be openly addressed. The patient often feels relieved to be able to talk about suicidal ideation. The subject must be addressed directly.

Answer to Question 2

B
Therapeutic serum lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. The other options are either too low or too high. Serum levels above 1.5 mEq/L can cause symptoms of toxicity.