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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Azithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections such as chlamydia. While it's generally well-tolerated, it can rarely cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions or severe skin reactions. Sore throat or fever may indicate such adverse effects, and patients
should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience these symptoms.
B. Dark yellow or orange urine is not a typical side effect of azithromycin. It can be caused by drugs such as rifampin.
C. Taking azithromycin with an antacid is generally not necessary and may interfere with the absorption of the medication. It's usually recommended to take azithromycin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.
D. Bleeding gums are not a common side effect of azithromycin. If a patient experiences unusual bleeding or bruising, they should seek medical attention, but this symptom is not specifically associated with azithromycin use.
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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