A nurse is preparing to administer lithium 300 mg PO every 8 hr. Available is lithium carbonate 150 mg capsules. How many capsules should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Agitation is a sign of hypoxemia, as the brain is deprived of oxygen and becomes irritable and restless.

The other options are not correct because:

1. Nausea is not a specific manifestation of hypoxemia, as it can have many other causes such as medication side effects, gastrointestinal disorders, or anxiety.
2. Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which is not related to hypoxemia or asthma. It can be caused by neurological, muscular, or structural problems in the throat or esophagus.
3. Hypotension is low blood pressure, which is not a typical manifestation of hypoxemia or asthma. It can be caused by dehydration, blood loss, shock, or heart failure.

Placing the client in a prone position improves oxygenation and ventilation by reducing lung compression, increasing lung expansion, and redistributing blood flow to better match ventilation.

a) Administering low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is not sufficient for a client with ARDS, who requires
high levels of oxygenation and positive pressure ventilation to prevent alveolar collapse and hypoxemia.
b) Offering high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods frequently is beneficial for a client with ARDS, as it provides adequate nutrition and energy to support lung healing and prevent muscle wasting. However, it is not the priority intervention for improving respiratory function.
d) Encouraging oral intake of at least 3,000 mL of fluids per day is contraindicated for a client with ARDS, who is at risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. Fluid intake should be restricted and diuretics should be administered as prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.