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
Albuterol can cause a rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
It is one of the more serious side effects of albuterol.
Choice B is wrong because Fever, is not an answer because it is not mentioned as an adverse effect of albuterol in the search results.
Choice C is wrong because Constipation, is not an answer because it is not mentioned as an adverse effect of albuterol in the search results.
Choice D is wrong because Drowsiness, is not an answer because it is not mentioned as an adverse effect of albuterol in the search results.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse who identifies the error is responsible for completing an incident report.
Initial reports often come from the frontline personnel directly involved in an event or the actions leading up to it.
Choice A is wrong because the charge nurse is not necessarily responsible for completing an incident report.
Choice B is wrong because the quality improvement committee is not responsible for completing an incident report.
Choice D is wrong because the nurse who caused the error may not be aware of it and therefore may not be responsible for completing an incident report.
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