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 B
Explanation
Blurred vision is a common adverse effect of digoxin that affects the eyes and the central nervous system. It can also cause yellow or green vision, halos around lights, and night blindness.
Choice A is wrong because yellow sclera is not an adverse effect of digoxin. It can be a sign of jaundice or liver disease.
Choice C is wrong because frequent swallowing is not an adverse effect of digoxin.
It can be a sign of dysphagia or throat irritation.
Choice D is wrong because bleeding gums is not an adverse effect of digoxin. It can be a sign of gingivitis or coagulation disorder.
Other adverse effects of digoxin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness, confusion, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, expressed fear of impending death, rash, weight loss, loss of appetite, and various cardiac arrhythmias.
Some of these effects can indicate digoxin toxicity and require immediate medical attention.
Normal ranges for serum digoxin levels are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for adults and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for children.
Serum digoxin levels should be monitored regularly to avoid overdose or underdose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“I will turn all pot handles toward the back of the stove.” This indicates that the guardian understands how to prevent the toddler from pulling a pot off the stove and getting burned.
Choice B is wrong because a child’s car seat should be rear-facing until the child is at least 2 years old or reaches the maximum height and weight for the seat.
Choice C is wrong because the temperature of the water heater should be set to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding injuries.
Choice D is wrong because drop-side cribs are banned in the United States due to the risk of entrapment and suffocation.
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