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.)

A humidifier bottle adds moisture to the oxygen, which prevents drying and irritation of the nasal mucosa

and enhances gas exchange.

a. Remove the nasal cannula while the client eats. This is not advisable, as the client may become hypoxic during eating, especially if they have pneumonia and impaired lung function. The nurse should monitor the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory status during meals and adjust the oxygen delivery device as needed.

c. Secure the oxygen tubing to the bed sheet near the client's head. This is not safe, as it can cause entanglement, dislodgement, or kinking of the tubing, which can compromise oxygen delivery and cause injury to the client.

d. Apply petroleum jelly to the nares as needed to soothe mucous membranes. This is not recommended, as petroleum products can ignite in the presence of oxygen and cause burns or fire. A water-based lubricant should be used instead.

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching, as weight loss is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the upper airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and hypoxia. Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, as excess fat tissue around the neck and throat can narrow the airway and increase its collapsibility. Losing weight can reduce the pressure on the airway and improve its patency.

b) "I sleep better if I take a sleeping pill at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping pills are not recommended for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping pills can worsen the condition by relaxing the muscles of the throat and tongue, which can further obstruct the airway and decrease the arousal response to hypoxia. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sleeping pills and other sedatives or alcohol before bedtime.
c) "It might help if I tried sleeping only on my back." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as sleeping on the back is not helpful for clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on the back can increase the risk of airway obstruction by allowing gravity to pull the tongue and soft palate backward, which can block the airway and cause snoring and apnea. The nurse should suggest that the client try sleeping on the side or elevate the head of the bed to prevent this.
d) "I should get a humidifier to run at my bedside at night." This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as a humidifier is not likely to decrease the number of nightly apneic episodes in clients who have obstructive sleep apnea. A humidifier can moisten the air and ease breathing for clients who have dry or irritated nasal passages, but it does not address the underlying cause of airway obstruction or hypoxia. The nurse should inform the client that a humidifier may not be effective for obstructive sleep apnea and may increase the risk of infection or mold growth if not cleaned properly.