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A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

The nurse is collecting data from the client 12 hr later.

How should the nurse interpret the following findings?

For each potential finding, click to specify whether the finding is an indication of potential improvement or an indication of potential worsening condition.

A.

Vision

B.

Lithium level

C.

Urine output

D.

Mucous membranes

E.

Vital signs

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

  • Vision (Blurred)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Blurred vision can be a sign of lithium toxicity. Despite the lithium level improving, this symptom indicates that neurotoxicity may still be present.

  • Lithium Level (1.2 mEq/L)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: The lithium level has decreased from 1.8 mEq/L (toxic) to 1.2 mEq/L, which is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). This indicates that treatment to lower lithium toxicity is effective.

  • Urine Output (40 mL/hr)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within the acceptable range (normal is greater than 30 mL/hr), suggesting that kidney function is adequate and not compromised by lithium toxicity.

  • Mucous Membranes (Pale, Dry)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Pale, dry mucous membranes suggest dehydration, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity and negatively affect overall health.

  • Vital Signs (BP 88/50 mm Hg, Pulse 96/min)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: The drop in blood pressure from 130/84 mm Hg to 88/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension. This could be related to dehydration or lithium toxicity, and it requires follow-up as the condition is deteriorating.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A WBC count of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range (4,500 to 11,000 cells/mm³) and is not a priority.
Choice B rationale:
A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm³) and is not a priority.
Choice C rationale:
A positive Western blot test confirms HIV infection, but it is not a priority in this case.
Choice D rationale:
A CD4-T-cell count of 180 cells/mm³ is below the normal range (500 to 1,500 cells/mm³), indicating severe immune system damage in a client with HIV. This is the nurse’s priority.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Difficulty reading is not typically associated with right hemisphere strokes.
Choice B rationale:
Aphasia, or difficulty with language, is a common symptom of right hemisphere strokes.
Choice C rationale:
Inability to recognize family members is not typically a symptom of right hemisphere strokes.
Choice D rationale:
Right hemiparesis, or weakness on the right side of the body, is typically associated with left hemisphere strokes, not right.

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