A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has bipolar disorder and has a new prescription for lithium. To address possible adverse effects, the nurse should include that which of the following laboratory values will be monitored while the client is taking this medication?
Liver enzymes
Uric acid
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Sodium level
The Correct Answer is D
A. Monitoring liver enzymes (AST, ALT) is typically not directly related to lithium therapy. Elevated liver enzymes may indicate liver damage from various causes, such as hepatitis or medication toxicity, but it is not a routine monitoring parameter for lithium.
B. Lithium can decrease the excretion of uric acid, potentially leading to elevated levels. Monitoring uric acid levels helps to detect hyperuricemia, which may contribute to conditions like gout. It's important to monitor this parameter periodically during lithium therapy.
C. ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and is not specifically monitored in relation to lithium therapy. It is used to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers, but it does not directly relate to lithium use.
D. Monitoring serum sodium levels is crucial during lithium therapy because lithium can affect renal function and electrolyte balance, including sodium levels. Hyponatremia is a potential adverse effect of lithium, and regular monitoring helps detect and manage this condition promptly.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fluoxetine is not indicated for the treatment of seizures. Its primary therapeutic effect is related to mood stabilization through serotonin reuptake inhibition in the brain. Therefore, absence of seizures would not be an expected outcome of fluoxetine therapy.
B. Hand tremors are not typically a direct symptom of depression or anxiety but can occur as a side effect of certain medications or due to anxiety-related physiological responses. Fluoxetine itself does not typically cause or treat hand tremors directly. Therefore, while tremor reduction might occur as a result of improved mood and reduced anxiety, it is not a direct therapeutic outcome of fluoxetine.
C. Improved mood is one of the primary expected outcomes of fluoxetine therapy. SSRIs like fluoxetine work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Clients typically experience a reduction in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety, leading to an overall improvement in mood.
D. Hallucinations are not a typical symptom of depression or anxiety disorders but can occur in conditions such as schizophrenia or psychotic depression. Fluoxetine is not primarily indicated for treating hallucinations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Helping clients establish long-term goals can provide motivation and direction. However, while setting goals is important, it may not directly address immediate barriers to learning unless the goals are broken down into manageable steps that are relevant to the current learning session.
B. Teaching sessions should not be scheduled right before bedtime because older adults may be fatigued at the end of the day, which can impair their ability to concentrate and retain information. Fatigue can act as a barrier to effective learning.
C. Scheduling teaching sessions for a long duration could lead to cognitive overload and fatigue, which are significant barriers to learning.
D. This can help create a non-threatening learning environment and encourage open communication. This approach can reduce defensiveness and promote a collaborative atmosphere.
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