A nurse is reviewing the morning laboratory report for a client who has bipolar disorder and recently started taking lithium. The client's current lithium level is 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Administer the regular dose of lithium.
Contact the laboratory to repeat the lithium level.
Obtain an ECG and institute seizure precautions.
Contact the provider to prescribe an increased dose of lithium.
The Correct Answer is A
A. A lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Therefore, the nurse should administer the regular dose of lithium as prescribed and closely monitor the client for any side effects.
B. Repeating the lithium level is unnecessary because the current level is within the therapeutic range. Repeated testing may be warranted if the level is outside the therapeutic range or if there are clinical concerns.
C. This action is not indicated for a lithium level within the therapeutic range. ECG and seizure precautions are typically reserved for lithium toxicity, which presents with levels above the therapeutic range.
D. Increasing the dose of lithium is not warranted when the current level is within the therapeutic range. Doing so could increase the risk of toxicity.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common adverse effect of aminoglycosides such as gentamycin which cause ototoxicity, rather than erythromycin which is a macrolide.
B. Constipation with abdominal cramping, is not a commonly reported side effect of erythromycin; this medication is more likely to cause diarrhea rather than constipation.
C. Common adverse effects of oral erythromycin include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping and nausea. Therefore, the statement indicating the client is experiencing a common adverse effect would be having a small amount of yellow emesis which aligns with the reported side effects of nausea and vomiting.
D. Swollen lips are not a common adverse effect of erythromycin. This symptom may indicate an allergic reaction or another issue unrelated to the medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is known to cause drowsiness and sedation as a common side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Even a single dose of diazepam can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Patients should be aware of potential side effects regardless of the number of doses taken.
C. While grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by affecting their metabolism, it doesn't directly inactivate diazepam. However, it may increase the risk of side effects by altering the metabolism of the medication, leading to higher blood levels.
D. Tyramine is not typically a concern with diazepam. Tyramine-containing foods are more relevant in the context of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a different class of medications used to treat depression.
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