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","D","E"]
Explanation
Fine hand tremors and pill rolling are not indicative of tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms are more commonly associated with other neurological or movement disorders.
B. Urinary retention and constipation:
Urinary retention and constipation are not symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms are more related to anticholinergic effects of certain medications.
C. Facial grimacing and eye blinking:
Facial grimacing and repetitive, involuntary movements such as eye blinking are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia. These abnormal movements of the face and eyes are commonly seen in individuals who have been on long-term antipsychotic medications, especially older ones like haloperidol.
D. Involuntary pelvic rocking and hip thrusting movements:
TD often includes repetitive, purposeless movements of the limbs, trunk, and pelvis.
E. Tongue thrusting and lip-smacking:
Tongue thrusting and lip-smacking are classic symptoms of tardive dyskinesia. These repetitive, involuntary movements involving the mouth and tongue are often observed in individuals who have been on antipsychotic medications for an extended period of time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
While addressing self-esteem and positive personality traits is important for overall psychological well-being, it is not the priority during the acute detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and stability is the immediate concern.
B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest.
Explanation: The process of detoxification from alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be severe and even life-threatening. Adequate hydration is crucial during this period to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating associated with withdrawal. Rest is also important to help the client's body recover from the physical stress of withdrawal.
C. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse.
Education about the consequences of alcohol misuse is important for the client's understanding and motivation for recovery, but this intervention can come after addressing the immediate physical needs of detoxification.
D. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms.
Addressing denial and defense mechanisms is a critical aspect of therapy for clients with alcohol use disorder, but it might not be the first priority during the detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and managing withdrawal symptoms take precedence initially.
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