A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder.
Which of the following assessment findings require immediate follow- up? (Select all that apply.)
Blood pressure
Lithium level
Sodium level
WBC count
Thyroid-stimulating (TSH) level
BUN level
Levothyroxine dosage
Acetaminophen
Lithium dosage
Correct Answer : B,C,F,I
A. Blood pressure – Within normal range (115/76 mm Hg). No immediate concern.
B. Lithium level – 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.8–1.2). Toxicity is likely, especially with the client’s symptoms (tremor, confusion, GI upset). Requires urgent follow-up.
C. Sodium level – 128 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia. Low sodium increases the risk for lithium toxicity because lithium and sodium compete for renal reabsorption.
D. WBC count – Within normal range (7,000/mm³).
E. TSH level – Mildly elevated (6). Suggests hypothyroidism (a side effect of lithium) but not immediately life-threatening. Requires follow-up, but not urgent.
F. BUN level –Elevated at 30 mg/dL (normal 10–20). Indicates impaired renal function, which reduces lithium clearance and increases toxicity risk.
G. Levothyroxine dosage – No immediate safety issue noted; managed long term.
H. Acetaminophen – Daily 325 mg is safe; not a concern.
I. Lithium dosage – Current dose (600 mg BID) is likely contributing to toxicity and must be reassessed immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. There is no indication that cultural bias is affecting interpretation; the focus is on the mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues.
B. While the patient says they enjoy the interaction, their nonverbal behavior (fidgeting, covering face, looking under chair) suggests discomfort or anxiety, not purely positive feedback.
C. The behaviors described (fidgeting, covering face) do not indicate hallucinations or delusions typical of psychosis.
D. The patient verbally states enjoyment, but their body language suggests discomfort, anxiety, or internal conflict, indicating incongruence between words and actions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A busy family may experience stress, but this alone is not the greatest risk factor for abuse.
B. Multiple caregivers can sometimes create inconsistency in care, but it is not the primary factor.
C. Rural living may limit access to resources, but dementia itself poses a greater risk.
D. Dementia (especially Alzheimer’s disease) significantly increases vulnerability to abuse because of impaired memory, communication, and judgment, which limit the ability to report or stop mistreatment.
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