A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I should notify my doctor if I have vomiting and diarrhea."
"I should avoid consuming food for at least an hour after I take my medication.
"I should restrict my fluid intake."
"I can expect to lose weight while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "I should notify my doctor if I have vomiting and diarrhea.": Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and sodium loss, which increases the risk of lithium toxicity. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider allows for dose adjustment or additional monitoring to maintain safe serum levels.
B. "I should avoid consuming food for at least an hour after I take my medication.": Lithium can be taken with or without food, and taking it with meals may actually help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Avoiding food is unnecessary and may worsen adherence or side effects.
C. "I should restrict my fluid intake.": Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. Clients should maintain adequate hydration while on lithium therapy.
D. "I can expect to lose weight while taking this medication.": Lithium therapy is more commonly associated with weight gain rather than weight loss. Expecting weight loss reflects a misunderstanding of potential side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A vein that feels hard to the touch: A hard vein may indicate sclerosis, thrombosis, or inflammation, making it unsuitable for catheter insertion. Using such a vein increases the risk of infiltration, pain, and unsuccessful insertion.
B. A vein in the client's dominant arm: While not absolutely contraindicated, avoiding the dominant arm when possible helps preserve function and comfort for the client, especially if complications occur.
C. A vein on the client's wrist: Veins on the wrist are generally smaller and more superficial, which can increase the risk of infiltration or discomfort. They are usually considered a last-resort option.
D. A vein proximal to the previous site: Selecting a vein proximal (closer to the body) to the previous insertion site allows for the use of healthy tissue, reduces the risk of complications at the prior site, and provides adequate venous access for the new catheter.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
- Feeling more tired since starting the medication: Fatigue is a common adverse effect of beta-blockers like labetalol because they reduce heart rate and cardiac output. This decrease in cardiac output can limit blood flow to muscles and organs, contributing to generalized tiredness.
- Trouble sleeping: Beta-blockers can interfere with normal sleep patterns by decreasing melatonin secretion and altering sympathetic nervous system activity. Clients may experience difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings during the night.
- Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension): Labetalol’s alpha- and beta-blocking effects can reduce vascular resistance and blood pressure. When the client stands, the drop in blood pressure can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, especially in the first days of therapy.
- Heart rate 56/min (bradycardia): Beta-blockers slow the heart rate by decreasing sympathetic stimulation of the SA node. A heart rate below 60/min is considered bradycardia and may lead to fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
