A nurse reviews the laboratory report for a client who is receiving lithium three times daily PO. The client's current blood lithium level is 1.8 mEq/L. The nurse identifies that this lab value indicates which of the following?.
The lithium level is within the therapeutic level for initial treatment.
The lithium level is below the therapeutic treatment level.
The lithium level is at the toxic level.
A blood lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is not within the maintenance treatment level.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic level for initial treatment (0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L)3.
Choice B rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above, not below, the therapeutic treatment level.
Choice C rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is at the toxic level. A blood lithium level greater than 1.5 mEq/L indicates toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is not within the maintenance treatment level (0.4 to 1.3 mEq/L)3.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A BUN of 22 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice B rationale:
A serum potassium of 3.3 mEq/L is slightly low but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 55% is high but not a contraindication for clozapine.
Choice D rationale:
A WBC of 2,900 cells/mm² is low and can indicate agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Clozapine should be discontinued.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Adherence to medication, especially after the resolution of acute psychosis, is crucial when taking an antipsychotic like clozapine. This is because discontinuation can lead to a relapse of symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
There’s no specific need to limit fluid intake when taking an antipsychotic.
Choice C rationale:
While routine blood cell count laboratory work is important, it’s not specific to red blood cells but rather to monitor for agranulocytosis, a potential side effect of clozapine.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding foods that contain tyramine is typically associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, not antipsychotics like clozapine.
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