Brian is seeking treatment for PTSD following his tour of duty in a combat zone. He reports to the assessment nurse that he has been smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol daily for the past 4 days because he just can't stand feeling depressed all the time. Which of these assessments is the nurse's highest priority?

Choice A reason: Gastric lavage is typically not the first-line treatment for lithium toxicity due to the risk of aspiration and potential complications. It is usually reserved for cases where the ingestion was recent and massive.

Choice B reason: When a client presents with an extremely elevated lithium level, it is crucial to hold further doses to prevent exacerbation of toxicity. The nurse should monitor for early signs of toxicity, which include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and ataxia. The normal therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L, and levels above 1.5 mmol/L are considered toxic.

Choice C reason: While it is important to review the medication record, the immediate concern with an extremely elevated lithium level is addressing the toxicity. Checking the medication record can be part of the assessment process but is not the priority action.

Choice D reason: Administering the morning dose of lithium could worsen the client's condition by increasing the lithium level further, which is already extremely elevated. This could lead to severe toxicity or even fatal consequences.

Choice A Reason:

Checking the client's pupil reactivity is important because alcohol intoxication can affect the nervous system, which may be reflected in changes in pupil size and reactivity to light. Normal pupil size ranges from about 2 to 4 mm in diameter in bright light to 4 to 8 mm in the dark. Pupils that do not respond to light could indicate a neurological deficit that requires immediate attention.

Choice B Reason:

Performing a developmental screening test is not typically indicated for acute alcohol intoxication management. Developmental screenings are generally used to assess children for appropriate growth and developmental milestones, not for adults in an emergency setting due to intoxication.

Choice C Reason:

Preparing the client for a CT scan may be necessary if there is a suspicion of head trauma or intracranial bleeding, which can occur with falls or injuries associated with intoxication. A CT scan can help identify any urgent issues that need to be addressed.

Choice D Reason:

Obtaining a urine specimen can be useful for several reasons. It can be tested for the presence of alcohol, other substances, or toxins. Additionally, it can provide information about the client's overall health and kidney function.

Choice E Reason:

Monitoring the client’s vital signs frequently is crucial. Alcohol intoxication can lead to vital sign abnormalities such as hypotension, tachycardia, or respiratory depression. Normal ranges for vital signs vary but generally include a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 12 to 20 breaths per minute.