Varcarolis' Foundations of
Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing (8ed.) Latest Exam
2o24 2025 question and
answers
,LITHIUM: Nursing Considerations - CORRECT ANSWER-Use caution in
potentially hazardous activities
Check serum levels twice weekly during treatment, q 2-3 months on maintenance;
draw blood in a.m. prior to dose
Target serum levels: treatment = 0.5 to 1.5 mEq/L, maintenance = 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
Take with meals to avoid GI upset
Onset of therapeutic effects in 1-2 weeks
Dose reduced during depressive stages of illness
Encourage 10-12 glasses water/day and adequate salt intake (6-10 g/day)
Rx; Preg Cat D
LITHIUM: Side Effects - CORRECT ANSWER-Signs of toxicity: vomiting,
diarrhea, drowsiness, muscular weakness, ataxia
Dizziness, headache
Impaired vision
Fine hand tremors
Reversible leukocytosis
Dry mouth, anorexia
Hypotension
Dysrhythmias
Polyuria, proteinuria
Hyponatremia
Hypo/hyperthyroidism
LITHIUM: Purpose - CORRECT ANSWER-management of manic phase in
bipolar disorder, prevention of bipolar manic-depressive psychosis
, CARBAMAZEPINE: Nursing Considerations - CORRECT ANSWER-Take with
food or milk to decrease GI upset; nonextended-release tablets may be crushed,
extended-release capsules may be opened and mixed with juice or soft food
Avoid activities requiring alertness for the first 3 days
Urine may turn pink to brown
Avoid abrupt withdrawal; discontinue gradually
Avoid use with alcohol, CNS depressants
Monitor for suicidal thoughts or behavior
Patient should wear medical information tag
Rx; Preg Cat D
CARBAMAZEPINE: Side Effects - CORRECT ANSWER-Myelosuppression
Dizziness, drowsiness
Hepatitis
Diplopia, rash
Renal failure
Photosensitivity
Nausea, vomiting
Dysrhythmias
Impotence
Bone marrow suppression
Osteoporosis
Hypocholesterolemia
Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing (8ed.) Latest Exam
2o24 2025 question and
answers
,LITHIUM: Nursing Considerations - CORRECT ANSWER-Use caution in
potentially hazardous activities
Check serum levels twice weekly during treatment, q 2-3 months on maintenance;
draw blood in a.m. prior to dose
Target serum levels: treatment = 0.5 to 1.5 mEq/L, maintenance = 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
Take with meals to avoid GI upset
Onset of therapeutic effects in 1-2 weeks
Dose reduced during depressive stages of illness
Encourage 10-12 glasses water/day and adequate salt intake (6-10 g/day)
Rx; Preg Cat D
LITHIUM: Side Effects - CORRECT ANSWER-Signs of toxicity: vomiting,
diarrhea, drowsiness, muscular weakness, ataxia
Dizziness, headache
Impaired vision
Fine hand tremors
Reversible leukocytosis
Dry mouth, anorexia
Hypotension
Dysrhythmias
Polyuria, proteinuria
Hyponatremia
Hypo/hyperthyroidism
LITHIUM: Purpose - CORRECT ANSWER-management of manic phase in
bipolar disorder, prevention of bipolar manic-depressive psychosis
, CARBAMAZEPINE: Nursing Considerations - CORRECT ANSWER-Take with
food or milk to decrease GI upset; nonextended-release tablets may be crushed,
extended-release capsules may be opened and mixed with juice or soft food
Avoid activities requiring alertness for the first 3 days
Urine may turn pink to brown
Avoid abrupt withdrawal; discontinue gradually
Avoid use with alcohol, CNS depressants
Monitor for suicidal thoughts or behavior
Patient should wear medical information tag
Rx; Preg Cat D
CARBAMAZEPINE: Side Effects - CORRECT ANSWER-Myelosuppression
Dizziness, drowsiness
Hepatitis
Diplopia, rash
Renal failure
Photosensitivity
Nausea, vomiting
Dysrhythmias
Impotence
Bone marrow suppression
Osteoporosis
Hypocholesterolemia
