A nurse is caring for a client at a follow-up visit who has been taking lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing lithium toxicity?
Hypoglycemia.
Excess salivation.
Urinary retention.
Dysrhythmia.
The Correct Answer is D
Dysrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm that can be a sign of severe lithium toxicity.
Lithium toxicity can occur when a person takes too much lithium, a mood- stabilizing medication used to treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
Choice A is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, hunger, and confusion.
Choice B is wrong because excess salivation is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Excess salivation can be caused by various factors, such as infections, medications, or nerve damage.
Choice C is wrong because urinary retention is not a symptom of lithium toxicity. Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder completely, which can cause pain, discomfort, and infection. Lithium toxicity can actually cause increased urine output, not decreased.
Normal ranges for blood lithium levels are 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy and 0.8 to 1.5 mEq/L for acute therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L can cause mild to moderate toxicity, and levels above 2.0 mEq/L can cause severe toxicity. Levels above 3.0 mEq/L are considered a medical emergency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Blood glucose 130 mg/dL.
This is because the normal range of blood glucose for pregnant women is 70 - 110 mg/dL .
A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates gestational diabetes, which can have adverse effects on the mother and the fetus.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider and initiate interventions such as dietary counseling, glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy if needed.
Choice A is wrong because WBC 7,000/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL .
A low WBC count would indicate an increased risk of infection, while a high WBC count would indicate inflammation or infection.
Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 13 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 11 to 14 g/dL .
A low hemoglobin level would indicate anemia, while a high hemoglobin level would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Choice D is wrong because RBC 5.8 million/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4.2 to 5.9 million/mm³ .
A low RBC count would indicate anemia or hemorrhage, while a high RBC count would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Has a vocabulary of four words. This is because a 24-month-old toddler should be able to speak about 50 or more words and use simple phrases. Having a vocabulary of only four words indicates a significant delay in speech and language development that should be reported to the provider.
Choice A is wrong because drawing a circle is a normal fine motor skill for a 24- month-old toddler.
Choice C is wrong because jumping with both feet is a normal gross motor skill for a 24-month-old toddler.
Choice D is wrong because weighing 12 kg (26.5 Ib) is within the average range for a 24-month-old toddler.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today