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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Allergy to gelatin is a contraindication for the inactivated influenza vaccine because gelatin is one of the ingredients in the vaccine. People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine.
Choice A is wrong because pregnancy is not a contraindication for the inactivated influenza vaccine. In fact, pregnant people are recommended to get a flu shot because they are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications.
Choice B is wrong because immunosuppression is not a contraindication for the inactivated influenza vaccine. People with weakened immune systems can get a flu shot, but they should avoid the nasal spray flu vaccine which contains live viruses.
Choice D is wrong because moderate illness with fever is not a contraindication for the inactivated influenza vaccine. People who are moderately ill can still get a flu shot, but they should wait until they recover if they have a severe illness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Encourage the client to visit with someone who has had an amputation.
This strategy can help the client cope with the loss of a body part and learn from the experience of others who have gone through a similar situation.
Choice A is wrong because suggesting that the client wear facility clothing until the prosthesis fitting can delay the client’s acceptance of the body image alteration and increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because discouraging the client from touching the residual limb for the first week can interfere with the healing process and prevent the client from becoming familiar with the new body part.
Choice D is wrong because reassuring the client that the rehabilitation program is optional can discourage the client from participating in physical therapy and hinder the recovery and adaptation.
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