A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. The client says, “I feel restless and I can’t sit still.” How should the nurse document this finding?

Thyroid function tests, serum electrolytes and serum creatinine levels should be monitored for a client who is taking lithium carbonate.This is because lithium can affect the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism or goiter.Lithium can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can increase the risk of toxicity.Lithium can also impair renal function, leading to increased serum creatinine levels.

Choice B is wrong because blood glucose levels are not affected by lithium.Choice D is wrong because liver function tests are not indicated for lithium therapy.

Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the method and laboratory used, but generally include:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L

• Free thyroxine (FT4): 0.8 to 2.8 ng/dL

• Total triiodothyronine (T3): 80 to 200 ng/dL

Normal ranges for serum electrolytes include:

• Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L

• Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L

• Chloride: 98 to 106 mEq/L

• Bicarbonate: 22 to 26 mEq/L

Normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.

The client exhibits signs of akathisia, which is a common extrapyramidal side effect of haloperidol and other first-generation antipsychotics.Akathisia is characterized by restlessness, agitation, and difficulty staying still.

Choice A is wrong because it does not identify the specific type of movement disorder the client is experiencing.

Choice C is wrong because tardive dyskinesia is a different type of extrapyramidal side effect that involves involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, face, and limbs.

Choice D is wrong because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics that causes high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.