A Patient Who Has Recently Begun Taking Lithium (Lithibid)calls the Clinic

question 6

Multiple Choice

A patient who has recently begun taking lithium (Lithibid) calls the clinic to report nausea,vomiting,anorexia,and drowsiness.What will the nurse do next?

• A)Contact the provider to obtain an order for a serum lithium level.
• B)Reassure the patient that these symptoms are common and transient.
• C)Tell the patient that the lithium dose is probably too low.
• D)Tell the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.

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Definitions:

Existential Anxiety

According to existential theorists, a universal fear of the limits and responsibilities of one’s existence.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies employed by individuals unconsciously to protect themselves from anxiety and conflict by denying or distorting reality.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A mental health condition characterized by chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, often with no obvious reason.

Generalized Anxiety

A mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, not confined to any one specific issue.