overdosing or underdosing because lithium
salt uses the same postsynaptic receptor
sites as sodium chloride does. Other anti-
manic drugs include sodium valproate,
carbamazepine, other anticonvulsants, and
clonazepam, which is also a benzodiazepine.- For clients with mania, the nurse must
monitor food and fluid intake, rest and sleep,
and behavior with a focus on safety until
medications reduce the acute stage and
clients resume responsibility for themselves. - Suicidal ideation means thinking of suicide.
- People with increased rates of suicide include
single adults, divorced men, adolescents,
older adults, the very poor or very wealthy,
urban dwellers, migrants, students, whites,
people with mood disorders, substance
abusers, people with medical or personality
disorders, and people with psychosis. - The nurse must be alert to clues to a client’s
suicidal intent—both direct (making threats
of suicide) and indirect (giving away prized
possessions, putting his or her life in order,
making vague good-byes). - Conducting a suicide lethality assessment
involves determining the degree to which
the person has planned his or her death
including time, method, tools, place, person
to find the body, reason, and funeral plans. - Nursing interventions for those at risk for
suicide involve keeping the person safe by
instituting a no-suicide contract, ensuring
close supervision, and removing objects that
the person could use to commit suicide.
For further learning, visit http://connection.lww.com.
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