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?
Arterial blood gases
Total cholesterol
Thyroid hormones
Hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Arterial blood gases - Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed before initiating lithium carbonate therapy.
B. Total cholesterol - Total cholesterol levels are not specifically relevant to monitoring lithium therapy.
C. Thyroid hormones - Thyroid function should be assessed before initiating lithium therapy because lithium can affect thyroid function, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
D. Hemoglobin - While hemoglobin levels may be monitored during lithium therapy, they are not typically assessed prior to initiating treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Clothing the newborn in light cotton is not recommended because it can block the light from reaching the skin, which is necessary for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia through phototherapy.
- B. Checking the newborn's temperature every 8 hours is not frequent enough; during phototherapy, it is important to monitor the newborn's temperature more frequently to ensure they do not become too cold or too warm as a result of the therapy.
- C. Administering water between feedings is not recommended as it can interfere with the newborn's feeding schedule and nutrition; breast milk or formula provides adequate hydration unless otherwise indicated by a healthcare provider.
- D. Placing the newborn 45 cm (18 in) from the light source is the correct intervention. This distance allows for optimal exposure to the light while ensuring the safety and comfort of the newborn, as recommended in clinical guidelines for effective phototherapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Water intoxication can lead to dilutional hyponatremia, which may result in fluid shifting into cells, causing cellular swelling and potentially cerebral edema, but generalized edema is not typically associated with water intoxication.
B. Water intoxication leads to dilution of electrolytes, including sodium, which results in decreased urine specific gravity rather than elevated.
C. Thready pulse is a common finding in water intoxication due to electrolyte imbalances and hemodilution.
D. Increased hematocrit is not typically associated with water intoxication; rather, it may indicate dehydration or hemoconcentration.
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