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
Hyponatremia
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypomagnesemia:
Correct Answer: This electrolyte imbalance is the one the nurse should assess the client for.
Explanation: Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and its excretion can be influenced by factors that affect renal function, including electrolyte imbalances. Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels) can potentially reduce the excretion of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels in the blood. This can increase the risk of lithium toxicity, which can be dangerous. Therefore, monitoring magnesium levels is important in clients taking lithium.
B. Hyponatremia:
Incorrect Explanation: While hyponatremia (low sodium levels) is a potential concern, it is not as directly linked to lithium interaction as hypomagnesemia.
Explanation: Lithium can cause diabetes insipidus, which leads to excessive urination and subsequent loss of water and electrolytes, including sodium. However, hyponatremia is not the immediate electrolyte imbalance that arises due to the interaction with lithium.
C. Hypocalcemia:
Incorrect Explanation: Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) is not a primary concern in the context of lithium use.
Explanation: Lithium does not have a direct interaction with calcium levels. Hypocalcemia is typically not a result of lithium use or its interaction with other factors.
D. Hypokalemia:
Incorrect Explanation: While electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can have health implications, it is not the primary electrolyte imbalance to be concerned about with lithium use.
Explanation: Hypokalemia is not a direct consequence of lithium interaction. Monitoring potassium levels is important for overall health, but it's not the primary electrolyte imbalance associated with lithium use and its potential interactions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client has a history of a severe penicillin allergy:
Correct Answer: This is the priority information for the nurse to report to the provider.
Explanation: Cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Individuals with a history of severe penicillin allergy may also have an increased risk of cross-reactivity with cephalosporin antibiotics. This potential cross-reactivity needs to be evaluated by the provider to determine the safety of prescribing cefuroxime for the client.
B. The client takes an aspirin daily:
Incorrect Explanation: While the daily use of aspirin should be considered when prescribing medications, it is not the priority in this scenario.
Explanation: Aspirin use might affect bleeding risk, but it is not directly related to the potential interaction with cefuroxime. The client's severe penicillin allergy takes precedence in terms of immediate concern.
C. The client reports a history of nausea with cefuroxime:
Incorrect Explanation: A history of nausea with cefuroxime is relevant but is not as critical as the severe penicillin allergy.
Explanation: While the nurse should consider the client's history of nausea with cefuroxime, it is not as urgent as addressing the potential cross-reactivity with penicillin.
D. The client has a BUN level of 18 mg/dL:
Incorrect Explanation: The BUN level is not the priority in this context.
Explanation: A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not immediately relevant to the decision about prescribing cefuroxime.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decrease in protein:
This choice is incorrect. Albumin is a protein found in the blood, and when a client is receiving an infusion of albumin, it is likely to increase, not decrease, the overall protein level in the bloodstream. Albumin infusions are often given to help increase plasma oncotic pressure and improve fluid retention in conditions like shock.
B. Oxygen saturation 96%:
This choice is incorrect. Oxygen saturation of 96% is within the normal range and reflects adequate oxygenation. It doesn't directly relate to the administration of albumin in shock.
C. PaCO2 30 mm Hg:
This choice is incorrect. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 30 mm Hg reflects a respiratory value and doesn't directly relate to the administration of albumin or the management of shock. It's important for assessing acid-base balance, but it's not a specific finding related to the albumin infusion.
D. Increase in BP:
This is the correct choice. Albumin is a colloid solution that helps increase the oncotic pressure within blood vessels, which can contribute to an increase in blood volume. When blood volume increases, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which is a desired effect in the management of shock. Increasing blood pressure helps improve perfusion to vital organs and tissues, which is essential in shock situations.
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