A client who is prescribed lithium carbonate is being discharged from inpatient care. Which medication information should the nurse teach this client?
Have serum lithium levels checked every 6 months.
Adjust the dose if you feel out of control.
Do not reduce normal dietary sodium intake.
Limit fluid intake to 1,000 mL of fluid per day.
The Correct Answer is C
C. Sodium intake can influence lithium excretion and affect serum lithium levels. Maintaining a consistent and adequate sodium intake is important for stabilizing serum lithium levels and optimizing the medication's therapeutic effects.
A. Patients should have their serum lithium levels checked regularly, typically every 3 months, not just every 6 months as suggested.
B. Clients should never adjust their lithium dose without consulting their healthcare provider. Lithium dosage adjustments should be made only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional based on the client's clinical response, serum lithium levels, and overall treatment plan.
D. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being, and dehydration can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lithium carbonate is a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. Symptoms of lithium toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors, and flu-like symptoms. If a client is experiencing these symptoms after taking lithium carbonate, it could indicate lithium toxicity
B. Lithium is a mood stabilizer, and tolerance, in the sense of needing increasing doses to achieve the same effect, is not commonly observed.
C. Suddenly stopping lithium carbonate can lead to withdrawal symptoms, but the symptoms described— nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and tremors—are more indicative of toxicity rather than withdrawal.
D. Tyramine is a compound found in certain foods and beverages, and interactions between tyramine-rich foods and certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can lead to hypertensive crises. However, lithium carbonate is not known to have interactions with tyramine-rich foods.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Digoxin toxicity is a serious condition that can occur when there is too much digoxin in the body. It can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. One of the risk factors for digoxin toxicity is low blood levels of potassium, or hypokalemia.
A. Electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low sodium levels), can contribute to digoxin toxicity. However, a sodium level of 133 mg/dl alone does not directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
B. Blood glucose levels within the normal range (80-120 mg/dl) would not directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
D. Calcium levels within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dl) do not directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.