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 A
Explanation
The nurse should withhold the dose of propranolol and notify the provider.
Using propranolol together with albuterol may reduce the benefits of both medications, since they have opposing effects in the body.
In addition, propranolol can sometimes cause narrowing of the airways, which may worsen breathing problems or trigger severe asthmatic attacks.
Choice B is wrong because there is no known interaction between albuterol and isosorbide mononitrate.
Choice C is wrong because there is no known interaction between albuterol and pantoprazole.
Choice D is wrong because there is no known interaction between albuterol and montelukast.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication."
Choice A rationale:
Black stools are a common side effect of iron supplements and do not usually require notification of the provider unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Iron supplements should not be taken with milk because calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Staying upright for at least 15 minutes after taking ferrous gluconate helps prevent the risk of esophageal irritation or discomfort, which indicates the client's correct understanding of this key instruction.
Choice D rationale:
Taking an antacid with ferrous gluconate is not recommended because antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its efficacy.
Choice E rationale:
This is the same as Choice D and also incorrect for the same reason regarding the interaction between antacids and iron absorption.
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