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.)

These findings are expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by destruction and enlargement of alveoli, loss of elastic recoil, and air trapping. These changes impair gas exchange and oxygenation, leading to chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia.

a) Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom of emphysema, as the client has reduced lung capacity and increased work of breathing. Dyspnea may be worse with exertion, stress, or infection, and may cause anxiety and fatigue. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and effort, and provide oxygen therapy as prescribed.
b) Barrel chest, or increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, is a physical sign of emphysema, as the client has chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs. Barrel chest may also cause kyphosis, or curvature of the spine, and reduced chest wall movement. The nurse should measure the client's chest circumference and observe for any deformities or asymmetry.
d) Clubbing of the fingers, or enlargement and rounding of the nail beds, is a late sign of emphysema, as the client has chronic hypoxia and tissue ischemia. Clubbing may also affect the toes and ears, and may indicate pulmonary or cardiac disease. The nurse should inspect the client's nails for shape, color, angle, and capillary refill.

c) Deep respirations are not expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, as the client has shallow and rapid breathing due to air trapping and reduced lung compliance. Deep respirations may indicate other conditions, such as metabolic acidosis or anxiety. The nurse should assess the client's arterial blood gas levels and provide reassurance and relaxation techniques as needed.
e) Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not expected to be assessed in a client who has emphysema, as the client has tachycardia or normal heart rate due to hypoxia and increased sympathetic stimulation. Bradycardia may indicate other conditions, such as medication side effects, vagal stimulation, or heart block. The nurse should monitor the client's pulse rate, rhythm, quality, and electrocardiogram as indicated.

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.