An adult client who is admitted to the mental health unit for treatment of bipolar disorder has a slightly slurred speech pattern and an unsteady gait. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Reference Range
Blood alcohol level [Reference Range: 0 to 10.9 mmol/L (0% to 0.05%)]
Lithium [Reference Range: 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L or 0.8 to 1.2 mmol/L]

Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L)

Six hours of sleep in the past three days.

Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L)

Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A: Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L) is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is within the reference range and does not indicate alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, which can affect the client's mental status and mood stability. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Six hours of sleep in the past three days is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is a common symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes and does not require immediate intervention by the health care provider. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L) is the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this indicates lithium toxicity, which can cause neurological and renal impairment and potentially fatal complications such as seizures, coma, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this may be related to decreased appetite or increased activity during manic episodes and does not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or safety. This is another distractor choice.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Consuming foods with saturated fats can increase the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which can contribute to plaque formation and narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Choice B reason: Walking 30 minutes per day can help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Choice C reason: Using a salt substitute can help lower sodium intake, which can reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure.

Choice D reason: Keeping a food diary can help the client monitor their calorie intake, portion size, and nutritional balance.

Choice E reason: Eating more canned vegetables can increase sodium intake, which can worsen fluid retention and blood pressure. Fresh or frozen vegetables are preferable.

Choice F reason: Including oatmeal for breakfast can provide soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol and prevent plaque formation in the coronary arteries.

A. An adult client with a tracheal tube draining clear, pale red liquid drainage B. An older client with dark red drainage on a postoperative dressing, but no drainage in the Hemovac. C. An adult client with no postoperative drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain with the bulb compressed. D. An older client with a distended abdomen and no drainage from the nasogastric tube.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A: An adult client with a tracheal tube draining clear, pale red liquid drainage. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential airway obstruction or infection. The tracheal tube drainage should be monitored for color, amount, and consistency, and suctioned as needed.

Choice B: An older client with dark red drainage on a postoperative dressing, but no drainage in the Hemovac. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential hemorrhage or wound dehiscence. The postoperative dressing and Hemovac should be monitored for color, amount, and odor, and changed as needed.

Choice C: An adult client with no postoperative drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain with the bulb compressed. This client can be assessed last, as they have no signs of complications or problems. The Jackson-Pratt drain is a closed suction device that collects fluid from a surgical site. The bulb should be compressed to create negative pressure and facilitate drainage.

Choice D: An older client with a distended abdomen and no drainage from the nasogastric tube. This client should not be assessed last, as they may have a potential bowel obstruction or perforation. The nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose into the stomach to decompress gas and fluid. The abdomen should be monitored for size, shape, and bowel sounds, and the nasogastric tube should be checked for patency and placement.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Text 1:The nurse is providing lifestyle change education for a client to slow the progression of coronary artery disease. Which statement(s) made by the client should the nurse recognize as needing additional education? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

After receiving report, the nurse can most safely plan to assess which client last?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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