Which emotion experienced by a patient should be assessed by the ...

[809779]

Which emotion experienced by a patient should be assessed by the nurse as most predictive of an increased suicide risk?
 
  a. Anger
  b. Elation
  c. Sadness
  d. Hopelessness

Question 2

A patient has mild lithium toxicity with a serum level of 1.6 mEq/L. Which assessment findings are most likely?
 
  a. Coarse hand tremor, coordination problems, and dizziness
  b. Elevated white blood cell count, temperature, and blood pressure
  c. Orthostatic hypotension, fainting, and nystagmus
  d. Restlessness, shuffling gait, and tics

[k2629]

Answer to Question 1

D
Of the feelings listed, hopelessness is most closely associated with increased suicide risk. Depression, aggression, impulsivity, and shame are other feelings noted as risk factors for suicide.

Answer to Question 2

A
The symptoms of mild toxicity are often related to central nervous system disturbance. Difficulty concentrating might also be noted. Mild GI disturbances are also seen. The other options are not symptoms of early lithium toxicity.

[809779]

Excellent

[Bigfoot1984]

TYSM