Which patient would require careful assessment for toxic effects ...

[tiara099]

Which patient would require careful assessment for toxic effects of lithium? The individual taking lithium and
 
  a. hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
  b. lorazepam (Ativan).
  c. clozapine (Clozaril).
  d. oxazepam (Serax).

Question 2

The nurse cares for a patient who was verbally aggressive upon admission. Three days later the patient says, My family put me here. They wanted to get rid of me. When should the nurse be most vigilant for signs of escalating aggression?
 
  a. During one-on-one sessions
  b. During group activities
  c. During visiting hours
  d. In the early morning

[emsimon14]

Answer to Question 1

A
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat hypertension. The diuretic effect would increase serum concentrations of lithium, potentially producing toxicity. Benzodiazepine and antipsychotic drugs are commonly used concurrently with lithium to control mania.

Answer to Question 2

C
Patients are more likely to become aggressive at admission, at shift change, at mealtimes, during visiting hours, during the evening, when being transported, and during periods of change. In this case the patient will probably be increasingly upset if the family does not visit, because it will reinforce her thinking that they are against her. She is also likely to become increasingly upset if they do visit, because she accuses them of unfairly hospitalizing her. The other times are possible, but research has not supported them as being exceptionally high risk.