A home health nurse has a patient who is taking lithium. What should be included in the teaching plan?
Take her blood pressure twice a day to check for hypertension.
Have her drug blood level checked every month.
Avoid aged cheese and red wine.
Examine her skin closely for eruptions.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Take her blood pressure twice a day to check for hypertension. Lithium does not typically cause hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure is not a primary concern for patients on lithium.
B. Have her drug blood level checked every month. Regular monitoring of lithium blood levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels and avoid toxicity. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, and frequent monitoring helps in adjusting the dose to maintain safe and effective levels.
C. Avoid aged cheese and red wine. This advice is relevant for patients taking MAOIs, not lithium. There is no need for patients on lithium to avoid these foods specifically.
D. Examine her skin closely for eruptions. While skin eruptions can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a primary concern for patients on lithium. The focus should be on monitoring for signs of lithium toxicity and other common side effects like tremors, thyroid dysfunction, and renal impairment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lips and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is best assessed in areas where the skin is thin, and the underlying blood vessels are more visible.
B. Sclera. Sclera is usually white, and cyanosis is not well-assessed here.
C. Abdomen: The abdomen is not an ideal site for assessing cyanosis due to thicker skin and less visible blood vessels.
D. Soles of the feet. The soles of the feet are not reliable for assessing cyanosis due to skin thickness and pigmentation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increase activity to promote mobility. While moderate activity is beneficial, excessive activity can exacerbate symptoms of SLE.
B. Increase exposure to the sun to increase vitamin D absorption. Sun exposure can trigger lupus flares, so it should be minimized.
C. Increase sodium consumption. Increased sodium intake is not recommended as it can lead to hypertension, a common concern in SLE patients.
D. Maintain a balance between rest and activity. Balancing rest and activity helps manage fatigue and prevent symptom exacerbation in SLE.
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