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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight gain is incorrect. Weight gain is typically associated with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, fluid retention can lead to weight gain due to excess fluid accumulation in the body.
Choice B Reason:
Distended neck veins is incorrect. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume excess, commonly seen in heart failure due to increased venous pressure and fluid retention.
Choice C Reason:
Shortness of breath is incorrect.: Shortness of breath is often associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which is a manifestation of fluid volume excess or fluid overload in heart failure.
Choice D Reason:
Elevated hematocrit level is correct. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes diuresis (increased urine output), leading to fluid loss. When a client experiences fluid volume deficit or dehydration due to increased diuresis, there is a concentration of red blood cells in the blood, resulting in an elevated hematocrit level. This occurs because the blood becomes more concentrated when there's less fluid volume available.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Meloxicam is incorrect. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily for managing mild to moderate pain and inflammation. While it can provide relief for mild pain, it may not be potent enough to effectively manage severe pain, especially in cases of advanced cancer-related pain, where stronger analgesics are often necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Aspirin is incorrect. Aspirin, like meloxicam, is an NSAID used for mild to moderate pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties. While it can be effective for certain types of pain, it's generally not the first choice for severe pain management, particularly in cases of advanced cancer-related pain where stronger opioids are typically required for adequate relief.
Choice C Reason:
Hydromorphone is correct. Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage severe pain, especially in cancer-related pain or post-operative settings. In cases of severe pain, opioids like hydromorphone are commonly utilized due to their effectiveness in providing relief.
Choice D Reason:
Caldofor is incorrect. The term "Caldofor" does not appear to correspond to any recognized medication commonly used for pain relief. It's possible that this might be a misspelling or an unfamiliar or less common drug name. Without a specific drug identification, it's challenging to assess its suitability or effectiveness for managing severe pain associated with pancreatic cancer.
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