A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium and reports starting a new exercise program. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
Hypomagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hyponatremia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Hypomagnesemia is incorrect. Lithium therapy itself is not a direct cause of hypomagnesemia. While exercise can affect magnesium levels to some extent, it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance that is typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Choice B Reason:
Hypocalcemia is incorrect. Similarly, lithium therapy is not a direct cause of hypocalcemia. Exercise can affect calcium metabolism, but it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
When a client taking lithium begins a new exercise program, the nurse should primarily assess for the risk of:
Choice C Reason:
Hyponatremia is correct. Lithium can affect the body's regulation of sodium, and excessive sweating due to increased exercise can lead to sodium loss. This combination can potentially contribute to the development of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Therefore, when a client on lithium starts a new exercise regimen that may induce sweating, monitoring for signs of hyponatremia becomes crucial. Symptoms of hyponatremia can include confusion, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Choice D Reason:
Hypokalemia is incorrect. Lithium itself does not commonly cause hypokalemia. Exercise can lead to potassium loss through sweating, but hypokalemia is not the primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight gain of 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) in 24 hours is not recommendable. While sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, it is not a direct contraindication for administering digoxin. However, it might indicate worsening heart failure, which needs attention, but it doesn't specifically necessitate withholding digoxin.
Choice B Reason:
Urinary output 30 mL/hr is not recommendable. A low urinary output might indicate decreased kidney perfusion or renal issues. While monitoring urinary output is important, it is not a direct reason to withhold digoxin unless it's coupled with severe renal impairment or an acute kidney injury.
For a client receiving digoxin, certain findings would warrant withholding the medication due to potential complications. Among the options provided:
Choice C Reason:
Pulse rate 56/min is the correct recommendation. A low pulse rate (bradycardia), especially below 60 beats per minute, is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, potentially leading to excessive bradycardia or heart block. The nurse should hold the medication and consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate action.
Choice D Reason:
BP 160/90 mm Hg is not recommendable. Elevated blood pressure alone is not a direct contraindication for administering digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Digoxin is not primarily used for controlling blood pressure; its use is more focused on managing heart rate and contractility in heart failure patients.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Increase in serum glucose is incorrect. Desmopressin, which is a synthetic form of vasopressin, primarily affects water reabsorption in the kidneys and doesn't directly impact glucose levels. Therefore, an increase in serum glucose wouldn't be an expected therapeutic response to desmopressin for diabetes insipidus.
Choice B Reason:
Decrease in blood pressure is incorrect. Desmopressin is primarily used for its antidiuretic effect, concentrating urine by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. It typically doesn't have a significant impact on blood pressure. Therefore, a decrease in blood pressure wouldn't typically be an anticipated therapeutic response to desmopressin in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Decrease in urine output is correct. Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst due to the inability to concentrate urine. The primary goal of desmopressin is to reduce urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby decreasing excessive urination. Therefore, a decrease in urine output would indicate a therapeutic response to the medication in this context.
Choice D Reason:
Increase in WBC count is incorrect. Desmopressin's action is centered on affecting kidney function by regulating water reabsorption and does not involve changes in white blood cell count. Consequently, an increase in WBC count wouldn't be an expected therapeutic response to desmopressin for diabetes insipidus.
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