A nurse is preparing to administer lorazepam 2 mg PO. Available is lorazepam 1 mg tablets.

How many tablets should the nurse administer?
(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A rationale:

Constipation is not a common side effect of lithium carbonate.

Choice B rationale:

Thyroid enlargement is a known side effect of lithium carbonate. Lithium can cause hypothyroidism, which may result in an enlarged thyroid.

Choice C rationale:

Hyporeflexia is not typically associated with lithium carbonate use.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated blood pressure is not a common side effect of lithium carbonate.

So, the correct answer is B.

The correct answer is choice C. Apply gentle pressure with a finger to the tragus of the ear.

Choice A rationale:

Chilling the medication prior to administration is not recommended. Cold ear drops can cause dizziness or discomfort when instilled into the ear. It is generally advised to warm the drops to body temperature by holding the bottle in your hands for a few minutes before administration.

Choice B rationale:

Holding the dropper against the ear canal while instilling the medication is incorrect. The dropper should be held above the ear canal to avoid contamination and injury. Touching the dropper to the ear canal can introduce bacteria and cause infection.

Choice C rationale:

Applying gentle pressure with a finger to the tragus of the ear helps to facilitate the flow of the medication into the ear canal. This action helps to ensure that the medication reaches the affected area effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Straightening the external auditory canal by pulling it down and back is incorrect for adults. For adults, the correct method is to pull the ear up and back to straighten the ear canal. Pulling it down and back is the method used for children.