During the maintenance phase of treatment a client asks the nurse ...

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During the maintenance phase of treatment a client asks the nurse Do I have to keep taking this
  lithium even though my mood is stable now? The most appropriate response is
 
  a. You will be able to stop the medication at the end of the month..
  b. Usually clients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge..
  c. It is odd that the physician has not already discontinued your medication..
  d. Taking the medication each day helps prevent relapses and recurrences..

Question 2

The nurse administering psychotropic medications should be prepared to intervene when giving a
  drug that blocks the attachment of norepinephrine to a1 receptors because the client may experience
 
  a. an increase in psychotic symptoms.
  b. hypertensive crisis.
  c. orthostatic hypotension.
  d. severe appetite disturbance.

[Loise Hard]

Answer to Question 1

D
Bipolar clients may be maintained on lithium indefinitely to prevent recurrences. Helping the client
understand this need will promote medication compliance. Option A: This is untrue. Option B:
Medication will be taken over a longer period. Option C: It is expected that the client will take
medication for a long time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Sympathetic mediated vasoconstriction is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure in the
upright position. Blockage of a1 receptors leads to vasodilation and orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension may cause fainting and falls. Clients should be taught ways of minimizing
this phenomenon.

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Excellent

[helenmarkerine]

TYSM