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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is a manifestation of a fat embolism, which is a condition where particles of fat get into the bloodstream and block blood flow. A fat embolism can occur after trauma or surgery to the legs, when fat from the bone marrow escapes into the bloodstream.

Choice A is wrong because a report of pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not specific to a fat embolism.

Pain is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries.

Choice B is wrong because pulses 2+ distal to the client’s fracture are normal and indicate adequate blood flow to the extremity.

Choice D is wrong because bruising around the fracture site is an expected finding after a compound fracture and does not indicate a fat embolism.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg and for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.

They can range in size from pinpoint to several millimeters. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious complication of a fat embolism that affects the lungs, skin or brain and can be fatal. FES usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after trauma.

A. Speak in a louder than usual tone of voice during conversation. B. Mute the client’s television before beginning a conversation. C. Avoid the use of hand gestures when talking to the client. D. Use short phrases when talking to the client.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Use short phrases when talking to the client.

Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A is wrong because speaking in a louder than usual tone of voice during conversation can distort the sound and make it harder for the client to understand.

The nurse should speak in a normal tone and enunciate clearly.

Choice C is wrong because avoiding the use of hand gestures when talking to the client can limit nonverbal communication and reduce the client’s comprehension.

The nurse should use appropriate facial expressions

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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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?