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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Rh incompatibility primarily affects erythrocytes, resulting in hemolysis rather than clotting abnormalities. Therefore, transient clotting difficulties are not typically associated with this condition.
B. Rh incompatibility doesn't directly cause hypothermia in newborns. The condition primarily leads to hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can result in jaundice, anemia, and other complications, but not hypothermia.
C. Rh incompatibility leads to an increase in bilirubin levels, causing hyperbilirubinemia rather than hypobilirubinemia. This increase in bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice and potentially severe neurological complications in the newborn.
D. This is a severe complication of Rh incompatibility where the fetus experiences severe edema due to hemolytic anemia and heart failure. It results from the destruction of fetal red blood cells by maternal antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Methylergonovine is not indicated for preventing postpartum infections. Its primary action is on uterine smooth muscle to induce contractions, rather than having antimicrobial properties.
B. While methylergonovine can cause hypertension as a side effect, it's not used to prevent hypertension. It is used primarily to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contraction.
C. Methylergonovine is a uterotonic medication used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions, thereby reducing the risk of excessive bleeding after childbirth.
D. Methylergonovine does not prevent thromboembolic events; its mechanism of action primarily involves stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction rather than affecting blood coagulation.
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