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.)

Suctioning is the priority observation in the client's care, as it prevents airway obstruction and respiratory distress caused by blood, mucus, or secretions. The client has a permanent tracheostomy and cannot cough or clear the airway effectively. The nurse should assess the need for suctioning frequently and perform it as needed, using sterile technique and maintaining oxygenation.

a) Patency of the intravenous line is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The intravenous line provides fluids, electrolytes, and medications to the client, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.
c) Integrity of the dressing is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The dressing protects the surgical site from infection and bleeding, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.
d) Level of pain is important, but not the priority observation in the client's care. The pain can be managed with analgesics and nonpharmacological measures, but it does not affect the airway patency or oxygenation.

Answer: B

Rationale:

A) "Expect your sputum cultures to be negative after 6 months of therapy":

While sputum cultures may become negative after a period of effective therapy, it is not always guaranteed to happen within exactly 6 months. Tuberculosis (TB) treatment usually involves several months of medication, and sputum cultures are monitored periodically to assess treatment efficacy, not solely at the 6-month mark.

B) "Drink at least 8 ounces of water when you take the pyrazinamide tablet":

Drinking plenty of water with pyrazinamide is important to prevent dehydration and to help minimize potential side effects, such as hyperuricemia or gout. Adequate hydration can also aid in the effective elimination of the medication from the body, thus reducing the risk of adverse effects.

C) "Provide a sputum specimen every 2 weeks to the clinic for testing":

Sputum specimens are typically provided less frequently than every 2 weeks, usually monthly, to monitor the progress of TB treatment. Testing frequency may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's recommendations.

D) "Take isoniazid with an antacid":

Isoniazid should not be taken with antacids, as antacids can interfere with the absorption of isoniazid. It is usually advised to take isoniazid on an empty stomach, and clients should be instructed to wait at least 1 hour after taking isoniazid before consuming antacids.