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?

A. "I will have my partner tilt their head back while I am instilling the drops:"
Tilting the head back is not the recommended position for administering otic (ear) drops. This position can lead to the medication running out of the ear rather than staying in the ear canal.
B. "I will have my partner lie down on their back while I am instilling the drops:"
While lying down is a better position than tilting the head back, it is not as effective as the correct technique of pulling the pinna upward and outward. Lying down may still allow the drops to flow out of the ear.
C. "I will pull the pinna upward and outward prior to instilling the drops:"
This is the correct answer. The proper technique for administering otic drops involves pulling the pinna (outer ear) upward and outward. This straightens the ear canal, facilitating the correct placement of the medication.
D. "I will make sure the solution is cool prior to instilling the drops:"
The temperature of the solution is not typically a specific consideration for ear drops unless otherwise specified by the healthcare provider. Room temperature drops are generally acceptable.

A. INR 1.0: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a measure of blood clotting. A value of 1.0 is within the normal range, so there is no immediate concern related to furosemide administration based on this INR value.
B. WBC count 8,000/mm³: The white blood cell count is not directly related to furosemide administration, and the value of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range. There is no immediate concern based on this WBC count.
C. Sodium 141 mEq/L: The sodium level is within the normal range, and it is not a contraindication for furosemide administration.
D. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, and administering it when the potassium level is already low can further decrease potassium levels, potentially leading to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider to address the low potassium level before administering furosemide.