A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory results prior to administering the client’s medications. The nurse notes that the client’s lithium level is 2.0 mEq/L.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle irritability.
Constipation.
Hypoglycemia.
Increased BP.
The Correct Answer is A
Muscle irritability. A client with a lithium level of
2.0 mEq/L has severe lithium toxicity, which can cause muscle irritability, tremors, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. The normal therapeutic range for lithium is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L.
Choice B is wrong because constipation is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible side effect of lithium therapy at lower doses.
Choice C is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible complication of diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels.
Choice D is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease or other conditions that affect blood vessels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is outside of the expected reference range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 30 to 60 breaths per minute. A respiratory rate higher than 60 breaths per minute can indicate respiratory distress or infection.
Choice B is wrong because BP 64/42 mm Hg is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 65 to 85/45 to 55 mm Hg.
Choice C is wrong because Axillary temperature 36.6° C (97.9° F) is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 36.5 to 37.5° C (97.7 to 99.5° F).
Choice D is wrong because Apical heart rate 124/min is within the normal range for a 2-week-old infant, which is 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Place the newborn on a flat surface and clap hands loudly.
This action will elicit the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, which is a normal, involuntary reaction that newborns and infants have when they’re startled. In response to the sound, the baby will throw back his or her head, extend out his or her arms and legs, cry, then pull the arms and legs back in.
Choice A is wrong because placing the newborn on their abdomen and observing the movement of their extremities will not trigger the Moro reflex.
This position may elicit other reflexes such as the crawling reflex or the tonic neck reflex.
Choice B is wrong because stroking the newborn’s cheek toward their mouth will not trigger the Moro reflex. This action will elicit the rooting reflex, which helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding.
Choice C is wrong because stroking upward on the lateral aspect of the newborn’s foot will not trigger the Moro reflex. This action will elicit the Babinski reflex, which causes the big toe to extend upward and the other toes to fan out.
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