A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium and reports experiencing lethargy, muscle weakness, and blurred vision. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"These symptoms will improve over time."
"You will need to have your blood drawn."
"You should decrease your intake of sodium."
"Continue the medication as prescribed."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Telling the client that the symptoms will improve over time without further assessment could be misleading. These symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Lethargy, muscle weakness, and blurred vision can be signs of lithium toxicity. The nurse should recommend blood tests to check lithium levels and kidney function to rule out toxicity.
Choice C reason: Decreasing sodium intake is not recommended without a healthcare provider's advice, as sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body. Sudden changes in sodium intake should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: Continuing the medication as prescribed without addressing the symptoms could be dangerous. The symptoms reported by the client need to be evaluated to ensure they are not due to lithium toxicity.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased taste is not commonly associated with olanzapine. While some antipsychotic medications can cause changes in sensory experiences, taste reduction is not a typical side effect of olanzapine.
Choice B reason: Increased thirst can be a side effect of olanzapine, as it can cause hyperglycemia, which in turn may lead to polydipsia, or increased thirst. It's important for the nurse to ask about thirst to monitor for potential underlying issues like diabetes.
Choice C reason: Unintentional weight loss is generally not associated with olanzapine. In fact, weight gain is a more common side effect of this medication, so losing weight without trying would be unusual and warrant further investigation.
Choice D reason: Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is not a reported side effect of olanzapine. If a patient experiences this symptom, it would likely be related to another condition or medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Telling the client that the symptoms will improve over time without further assessment could be misleading. These symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B reason: Lethargy, muscle weakness, and blurred vision can be signs of lithium toxicity. The nurse should recommend blood tests to check lithium levels and kidney function to rule out toxicity.
Choice C reason: Decreasing sodium intake is not recommended without a healthcare provider's advice, as sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body. Sudden changes in sodium intake should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: Continuing the medication as prescribed without addressing the symptoms could be dangerous. The symptoms reported by the client need to be evaluated to ensure they are not due to lithium toxicity.
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