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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. One of the nurse's responsibilities during the informed consent process is to witness the client signing the consent form. This ensures that the client voluntarily agrees to undergo ECT after receiving adequate information about the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives. By witnessing the signature, the nurse confirms that the client's consent is documented appropriately and legally.
B. Nurses may provide general information about ECT and its alternatives, but the detailed discussion about treatment options and their implications usually occurs during the consultation with the provider.
C. Determining if a client is competent to give consent is a legal determination typically made by a healthcare provider or a legal representative, not the nurse.
D. It is not the nurse's role to discuss the specific benefits of ECT, as these discussions are the responsibility of the healthcare provider leading the client's care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This response encourages the client to express their feelings and memories about their relationship with their deceased partner. It allows the client to talk about their emotions, reminisce about positive memories, and potentially share any unresolved issues or feelings of loss. This can be therapeutic as it provides an opportunity for the client to process their grief through storytelling and expression.
B. This response shifts the focus from the client's experience to the nurse's own experience. It can detract from the client's need to talk about their own feelings and may not be perceived as empathetic. While sharing personal experiences can sometimes create rapport, in this context, it may not be the most therapeutic approach as it might minimize the client's unique experience and emotions.
C. This response assumes a directive approach, suggesting what the client "should" do. While encouraging a return to routine activities can be beneficial in some cases, it may not be appropriate immediately after a significant loss. Grieving is a personal process, and the client may not be ready to engage in usual activities right away. It's important to assess the client's readiness and provide support tailored to their current emotional state.
D. This response minimizes the client's feelings by suggesting that their experience is universal. While it's true that many people experience sadness and grief after a loss, each individual's response is unique. This statement may invalidate the client's emotions and fail to acknowledge the depth of their distress. It's important to validate the client's feelings and provide reassurance that their emotions are normal in the context of grief.
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