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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Lithium carbonate is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea and other GI symptoms.

B. It can take up to 3 weeks to see the full effects of lithium carbonate, which is used to treat bipolar disorder.
C. Clients do not need to follow a low-sodium diet; in fact, maintaining a consistent sodium intake is important while taking lithium,
D. While adequate fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, there's no specific recommendation to limit fluid intake to 800 ounces per day. However, clients should be advised to maintain hydration and be cautious of excessive fluid intake, especially if they have kidney or cardiovascular issues.

A. Prone B. Orthopneic C. Sims' position D. Dorsal recumbent

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Prone position (lying face down) is not appropriate for administering vaginal cream.

B. Orthopneic position (sitting up and leaning slightly forward) is not conducive to administering vaginal cream.

C. Sims' position (lying on the left side with the right knee drawn up and the left arm drawn behind, often used for rectal examinations) is not typically used for administering vaginal cream.
D. The dorsal recumbent position, lying on the back with knees flexed and soles of feet flat on the bed, is typically recommended for administering vaginal cream. This position allows for easier insertion and retention of the medication.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate to treat bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer a vaginal cream to a client. The nurse should instruct the client to lie in which of the following positions while in bed?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has schizophrenia and recently stopped taking chlorpromazine after 8 years. The nurse notes choreiform movements, lip smacking, and spastic facial distortions. The nurse should document these findings as indicating which of the following conditions?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has benign prostatic hypertrophy and has a new prescription for finasteride. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K IM to a newborn. Into which of the following muscles should the nurse inject the medication?

A nurse is collecting data from client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should observe the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has Parkinson's disease. The client tells the nurse that he gets nausea when he takes his prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the client take with the medication?

A nurse is assisting with monitoring a client who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate. The client's respiratory rate is 8/min. Which of the following should the nurse administer?

A nurse is assisting with the preparation of an educational program about the use of oral contraceptives. The nurse should include that which of the following herbal supplements reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who is depressed and has a prescription for fluoxetine 20 mg PO twice daily. The nurse should identify that which of the following statements by the client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?