A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has bipolar disorder prior to the administration of lithium carbonate. The client's lithium level is.6 mEq/L.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assist the client to a left lateral position.
Implement fluid restrictions.
Request a dosage increase from the provider.
Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
The Correct Answer is C
- A. Assist the client to a left lateral position.
- This is generally used for clients at risk of aspiration, and it's not indicated based on the lithium level.
- B. Implement fluid restrictions.
- Fluid restrictions are usually implemented when there is a risk of fluid overload or hyponatremia, and not in this case. In fact, dehydration can raise lithium levels to toxic levels, so proper hydration is important.
- C. Request a dosage increase from the provider.
- While 0.6 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range, some providers may want to see a level slightly higher for maintenance. So requesting a dosage increase from the provider is the correct action.
- D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- Hemodialysis is used to remove lithium from the blood in cases of severe lithium toxicity, which is indicated by levels significantly higher than 1.5 mEq/L. This is not needed when the lithium level is 0.6 mEq/L.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Improved cognition should indicate to the nurse that the treatment with a hypertonic solution for hyponatremia is effective.
Hyponatremia can cause confusion and other neurological symptoms, so an improvement in cognition would suggest that the treatment is working to correct the electrolyte imbalance.
Choice A is wrong because Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.
Choice B is wrong because while vomiting can be a symptom of hyponatremia, a decrease in vomiting alone does not necessarily indicate that the treatment is effective.
Choice C is wrong because while hyponatremia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, the absence of arrhythmias alone does not necessarily indicate that the treatment is effective.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Combining furosemide with certain aminoglycoside antibiotics like amikacin may increase the risk of hearing loss.
The nurse should monitor this client for hearing loss related to a medication interaction.
Choice A is wrong because there is no known interaction between losartan and atorvastatin that can cause hearing loss.
Choice B is wrong because there is no known interaction between propranolol and raloxifene that can cause hearing loss.
Choice C is wrong because there is no known interaction between digoxin and levothyroxine that can cause hearing loss.
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