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 B
Explanation
A. The deltoid muscle is typically used for intramuscular injections in adults, but it is not the preferred site for newborns due to their small muscle mass.
B. The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the lateral aspect of the thigh, is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in newborns and infants due to its large muscle mass and accessibility.
C. While the ventrogluteal site is commonly used for intramuscular injections in adults, it may not be as easily accessible or preferred in newborns.
D. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended for intramuscular injections in newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and other underlying structures.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Methadone is an opioid agonist primarily used for the management of opioid dependence and chronic pain. It is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal or delirium.
B. Acamprosate is a medication used to support abstinence in individuals who have recently stopped drinking alcohol. It is not typically used to manage acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens.
C. Disulfiram is a medication used as an aversive therapy to deter alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant reactions (e.g., flushing, nausea, vomiting) when alcohol is ingested. It is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal or delirium.
D. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens. It acts by enhancing the inhibitory effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, thereby reducing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as seizures.
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