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.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Lithium can cause hyponatremia by increasing the secretion of antidiuretic hormone and reducing the renal clearance of sodium.

Strenuous exercise can also cause hyponatremia by increasing sweat loss and fluid intake. Therefore, a client who is taking lithium and starting a new exercise program is at risk of developing hyponatremia.

Choice A is wrong because hypomagnesemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.

Choice B is wrong because hypocalcemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.

Choice D is wrong because hypokalemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.

However, lithium can interact with some diuretics that can cause hypokalemia, so the client should avoid taking these drugs without consulting their doctor. Normal ranges for electrolytes are:

Sodium: 135-145 mmol/L

Magnesium: 0.7-1.1 mmol/L

Calcium: 2.1-2.6 mmol/L

Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is because swelling of the feet can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which is a serious condition that can occur when the level of lithium in the blood is too high. Lithium toxicity can cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and kidney problems. Therefore, the client should report any signs of lithium toxicity to their provider as soon as possible.

Choice A is wrong because limiting foods containing tyramine is not necessary for clients taking lithium. Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can interact with certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with lithium.

Choice B is wrong because decreasing the daily sodium intake can actually increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

Sodium helps to regulate the amount of lithium in the body, so if the sodium level is low, the lithium level can rise too high.

The client should maintain a normal sodium intake and drink enough fluids while taking lithium.

Choice C is wrong because taking this medication 2 hours before a meal is not required for clients taking lithium.

Lithium can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the blood.

Taking lithium 2 hours before a meal may cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of lithium.

A. Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system. B. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes. C. Return the remaining medication to the facility’s pharmacy. D. Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This is because hydromorphone is a controlled substance and any unused portion should be discarded in the presence of a witness. Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A is wrong because storing the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system could lead to errors in dosage or diversion of the drug.

Choice C is wrong because returning the remaining medication to the facility’s pharmacy is not a recommended practice for controlled substances and could also result in errors or diversion.

Choice D is wrong because placing the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package could compromise the integrity and stability of the medication and expose it to environmental factors.

Normal ranges for hydromorphone are not applicable as it is a synthetic opioid analgesic that does not have a therapeutic level.

However, some factors that may affect its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are age, weight, renal function, liver function, genetic polymorphisms, and drug interactions.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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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?