The nurse receives a laboratory report indicating a patient's serum level is 1 mEq/L. The patient's last dose of lithium was 8 hours ago. This result is
within therapeutic limits
above therapeutic limits
invalid because of the time lapse since the last dose
below therapeutic limits
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. A lithium serum level between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L is generally considered within the therapeutic range for maintenance treatment.
B. Above therapeutic limits would typically be >1.5 mEq/L, which increases toxicity risk.
C. While timing of blood draw is important, an 8-hour interval is acceptable for monitoring lithium levels (usually drawn 12 hours post-dose but 8 hours is still interpretable).
D. A level of 1 mEq/L is not below therapeutic limits.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Energy drink containers may be counted because excessive caffeine intake can worsen agitation and mania symptoms. Monitoring caffeine consumption is relevant in manic episodes.
B. Hypodermic needles are not typically related to mania assessment unless substance abuse is suspected.
C. Empty soda cans may contain caffeine but energy drinks have a much higher caffeine concentration, making them more clinically relevant.
D. Fast food wrappers indicate diet but are less directly related to manic behavior management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While depression may contribute to substance use, this choice makes an assumption about the patient's emotional state without adequate context.
B. Individuals with bipolar disorder often use substances like alcohol to manage or "self-medicate" their mood symptoms instead of taking prescribed medications.
C. This statement is overly simplistic and not clinically accurate; behavior is influenced by multiple factors, not just neurotransmitter levels.
D. While anxiety might coexist, this statement is vague and doesn't directly explain the pattern of substituting alcohol for prescribed medications.
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