A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse could teach the client which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?
A client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon.
The client eats 2 to 3 gm of sodium-containing foods daily.
The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily.
The client eats foods high in tyramine.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium is excreted through the kidneys, and dehydration and sodium depletion increase the risk of lithium toxicity. A client who runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon is at risk of excessive sweating and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and sodium depletion. This reduces lithium excretion, leading to toxic levels in the blood.
B. A normal sodium intake helps maintain lithium balance. A low sodium intake increases lithium retention, but 2-3 grams/day is within the normal recommended range.
C. Adequate hydration helps prevent lithium toxicity. Clients on lithium should drink 2–3 liters of fluid daily to promote kidney function and lithium excretion.
D. Tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, cured meats) are a concern for clients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not lithium. Tyramine does not affect lithium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bleeding:
Explanation: Bleeding is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol, which is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia. Haloperidol primarily works on the central nervous system and is not known to directly cause bleeding issues.
B. Cataracts:
Explanation: Cataracts are not a common adverse effect of haloperidol either. While long-term use of some antipsychotic medications can lead to metabolic and endocrine disturbances, which might indirectly impact eye health, cataracts are not a direct and immediate concern with haloperidol use.
C. Dysrhythmias:
Explanation: Correct Answer. Haloperidol has the potential to cause cardiac-related adverse effects, including dysrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms). This is a particular concern in individuals who are predisposed to heart conditions or have other risk factors. The medication can prolong the QT interval, which is a measure of the time it takes for the heart's electrical system to recharge between beats. Prolonged QT interval can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
D. Pancreatitis:
Explanation: Pancreatitis is not a common adverse effect of haloperidol. Pancreatitis typically involves inflammation of the pancreas and can be caused by various factors such as gallstones, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Haloperidol is not known to directly cause inflammation of the pancreas.
Correct Answer is ["24"]
Explanation
To calculate the mL/hr for the heparin infusion, you can use the formula:
mL/hr = (Total units required per hour) / (Units/mL in the solution)
Given:
Total units required per hour = 1,200 U/hr
Units/mL in the solution = 25,000 U / 500 mL = 50 U/mL
Plugging in the values:
mL/hr = (1,200 U/hr) / (50 U/mL)
mL/hr = 24 mL/hr (rounded to the nearest tenth)
Therefore, the nurse should set the IV pump to deliver 24 mL/hr for the heparin infusion.
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