A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Prior to administering the first dose, which of the following laboratory values should the nurse evaluate?

A. Insisting the client use direct eye contact may be intimidating or uncomfortable for the client, especially in a mental health setting where individuals may have varying levels of comfort with eye contact.

B. Seating the client at such a distance may create a physical barrier and hinder effective communication between the nurse and the client.

C. Positioning the client's chair between the nurse's chair and the door may make the client feel trapped or uncomfortable, especially during a sensitive interview.

D. Leaning in slightly when speaking to the client demonstrates attentiveness and facilitates a sense of closeness and engagement in the conversation, which can help build rapport and trust.

A. Constipation: While constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered an immediate threat to a patient's health in a cardiac unit setting. It requires assessment and intervention but is not the highest priority.

B. Indigestion can be a subtle symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in older adults, women, or clients with diabetes. Clients experiencing "indigestion" may be describing chest discomfort, which requires immediate assessment to rule out a cardiac event. Early identification and intervention for cardiac symptoms are critical to prevent further complications.

C. Swollen ankles can indicate fluid retention, which is a common sign of heart failure. While this symptom requires attention, it does not typically indicate an immediate life-threatening issue compared to potential cardiac ischemia associated with "indigestion."

D. Urinary frequency: This could be related to medications or other conditions. While it should be addressed, it is not the most critical issue compared to potential acute cardiac symptoms.