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 ["B","C","F","I"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a life-threatening drop in white blood cells, leaving the client highly vulnerable to infection. Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, malaise) may be early warning signs and require immediate provider notification and WBC count monitoring.
B. Olanzapine commonly causes orthostatic hypotension. Dizziness when standing is expected early in treatment and can often be managed with slow position changes, not an emergency.
C. Thioridazine, like many antipsychotics, can cause sedation. Daytime drowsiness is a common side effect and not urgent.
D. Chlorpromazine may cause GI upset such as nausea and vomiting. While bothersome, it is not immediately life-threatening unless severe or persistent.
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