A client is admitted with bipolar disorder and lithium carbonate is prescribed. Before administering the daily dose, the practical nurse (PN) plans to monitor the client’s serum lithium levels. Which physiologic action necessitates frequent monitoring of serum lithium levels?

Choice A reason: Using an Amsler grid monitors macular degeneration, not sildenafil-related visual changes, which include color tinting or blurred vision due to PDE5 inhibition affecting retinal blood flow. This is not a standard monitoring tool for sildenafil side effects, making it inappropriate for this context.

Choice B reason: Instilling eye drops is irrelevant, as sildenafil’s visual changes are systemic, caused by its effect on retinal phosphodiesterase, not a local eye condition treatable with drops. No evidence supports eye drops for this side effect, making this choice incorrect and ineffective.

Choice C reason: Wearing dark glasses may reduce light sensitivity but does not address sildenafil’s visual side effects, like blue-green color distortion, caused by altered retinal signaling. This is a temporary, drug-induced effect, and glasses do not mitigate the underlying issue, making this choice inadequate.

Choice D reason: Reporting visual changes immediately is critical, as sildenafil can cause rare but serious effects like non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, impairing retinal blood flow. Prompt reporting allows the provider to assess severity, adjust dosing, or discontinue the drug to prevent permanent vision loss.

Choice A reason: Immune status is critical before administering the influenza vaccine, as immunocompromised individuals may have reduced vaccine efficacy or increased risk of adverse reactions. Conditions like HIV or chemotherapy weaken immune responses, requiring tailored vaccination strategies. Assessing immune status ensures the vaccine is safe and effective, guiding clinical decisions.

Choice B reason: While age influences vaccine type (e.g., high-dose for older adults), it is less critical than immune status for safety. Age is typically already known from records and does not directly affect immediate vaccine administration decisions. This choice is less relevant compared to immune status evaluation.

Choice C reason: Food allergies are generally irrelevant to influenza vaccines, which are not derived from food allergens. However, egg allergies may be considered for certain vaccines due to manufacturing processes, but this is distinct from food allergies broadly. This choice is incorrect as it lacks direct relevance.

Choice D reason: Gender does not impact influenza vaccine administration. Vaccine efficacy and safety are not significantly influenced by gender-specific physiological differences. This choice is incorrect, as it does not provide critical information needed to ensure the vaccine’s safety or effectiveness for the client.