A client prescribed lithium carbonate 300 mg twice daily a month ago comes to the Emergency Department with mental confusion, frequent urination in large amounts, and coarse tremors. Which lithium level would the nurse expect?

0.8 mEq/L

2.3 mEq/L

1.8 mEq/L

1.2 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason: 0.8 mEq/L

The therapeutic range for lithium is typically between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. A level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within this range and is considered normal. Therefore, it is unlikely that a client with this lithium level would present with symptoms such as mental confusion, frequent urination, and coarse tremors. These symptoms are more indicative of lithium toxicity, which occurs at higher levels.

Choice B Reason: 2.3 mEq/L

A lithium level of 2.3 mEq/L is significantly above the therapeutic range and indicates lithium toxicity. Symptoms of lithium toxicity include mental confusion, frequent urination, and coarse tremors, which match the client’s presentation. Severe toxicity can occur at levels above 2.0 mEq/L and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Therefore, this is the most likely lithium level for the client described.

Choice C Reason: 1.8 mEq/L

A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range but below the level typically associated with severe toxicity. While some symptoms of toxicity might appear at this level, they are generally less severe than those described in the scenario. The client’s symptoms suggest a more severe level of toxicity, making this choice less likely.

Choice D Reason: 1.2 mEq/L

A lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the therapeutic range. While it is possible for some mild side effects to occur at this level, the severe symptoms described (mental confusion, frequent urination, and coarse tremors) are more indicative of a higher, toxic level of lithium. Therefore, this choice is also less likely.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: My boyfriend is too passionate for me

This statement indicates that the client is still placing some blame on their boyfriend’s behavior rather than recognizing the assault as a violation of their autonomy and consent. It suggests that the client may not fully understand that the responsibility for the assault lies with the perpetrator, not with their boyfriend’s level of passion. This mindset can hinder the healing process and indicates that the client may still be struggling with self-blame.

Choice B Reason: Next time I won’t wear such a sexy dress

This statement reflects a common misconception that the victim’s clothing or behavior can provoke sexual assault. It indicates that the client is still internalizing blame for the assault, believing that their attire was a contributing factor. This belief can be detrimental to recovery, as it perpetuates the myth that victims are responsible for the actions of their assailants.

Choice C Reason: I know it was not my fault

This statement is a strong indicator of progress in therapy. Recognizing that the assault was not their fault shows that the client is beginning to understand that the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. This realization is crucial for healing, as it helps to alleviate feelings of guilt and self-blame, allowing the client to move forward in their recovery.

Choice D Reason: I’ll just go on double dates from now on

This statement suggests that the client is still trying to find ways to prevent future assaults by changing their behavior rather than recognizing that the fault lies with the perpetrator. While taking precautions can be a part of feeling safe, it should not be based on the belief that the client could have prevented the assault by altering their actions.

A. Emotional injury and learned helplessness. B. Poor communication and social isolation. C. Power and control. D. Erratic relationships and vulnerability.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Emotional injury and learned helplessness. While emotional injury and learned helplessness are significant consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV), they are not the central factors driving the dynamic of IPV. Learned helplessness refers to a state where the victim feels powerless to change their situation due to repeated exposure to traumatic events. Emotional injury is a result of the abuse but not a driving factor.

Choice B Reason:

Poor communication and social isolation. Poor communication and social isolation can exacerbate the situation but are not the primary factors central to the dynamic of IPV. Social isolation is often a tactic used by abusers to control their victims, but it is a consequence rather than a cause. Poor communication can contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts but is not the root cause of IPV.

Choice C Reason:

Power and control. This statement is correct. The central dynamic of intimate partner violence is the abuser’s desire to exert power and control over their partner. This need for dominance manifests through various abusive behaviors, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. The Power and Control Wheel, a tool developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, illustrates how different abusive tactics are used to maintain control over the victim.

Choice D Reason:

Erratic relationships and vulnerability. Erratic relationships and vulnerability are characteristics often seen in IPV situations but are not central to the dynamic. Vulnerability can make individuals more susceptible to abuse, and erratic relationships can be a symptom of the abuse, but they do not drive the abusive behavior5.

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A client prescribed lithium carbonate 300 mg twice daily a month ago comes to the Emergency Department with mental confusion, frequent urination in large amounts, and coarse tremors. Which lithium level would the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse understands that which factors are central to the dynamic of intimate partner violence?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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