A nurse in a mental health facility is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking lithium carbonate.
Which of the following findings places the client at risk for lithium toxicity?
Aspartate aminotransferase 40 units/L.
WBC 6,000/mm3.
Sodium 132 mEq/L.
Calcium 10.0 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is not directly related to lithium toxicity. Elevated AST levels are indicative of liver dysfunction or damage, not lithium toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
White blood cell (WBC) count within the normal range (6,000/mm3) is not a specific indicator of lithium toxicity. It is essential to focus on electrolyte and renal function parameters when assessing lithium toxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Low serum sodium levels (132 mEq/L) can place the client at risk for lithium toxicity. Hyponatremia, often caused by lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, can lead to impaired lithium excretion and increased risk of toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
A calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not directly associated with lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity primarily affects sodium levels, as mentioned earlier.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Planning a menu with the client is a good practice for individuals with eating disorders. However, remaining with the client after meals is crucial to address the immediate concerns related to a binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period, and the nurse needs to monitor the client for potential complications or behaviors after meals.
Choice B rationale:
Weighing the client every other day is not the most appropriate action for a client with a binge eating disorder. While weight monitoring can be important, it does not directly address the behavioral aspects of the disorder, such as episodes of overeating. It is more critical to provide support and monitoring immediately after meals to prevent or address binge episodes.
Choice D rationale:
Offering snacks when the client is hungry is a generally healthy practice. However, in the context of binge eating disorder, the focus should be on structured meal times and monitoring for potential episodes of overeating. Offering snacks whenever the client is hungry may not be the best approach for managing this specific eating disorder. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? The correct answer is choice B: Failure to recognize familiar objects.
Choice A rationale:
Excessive motor activity Individuals with Alzheimer's disease typically exhibit a decline in motor activity rather than excessive motor activity. As the disease progresses, they may become less mobile and experience difficulties with movement due to cognitive and physical impairments.
Choice C rationale:
Altered level of consciousness While individuals with Alzheimer's disease may experience changes in cognitive function, including memory loss and confusion, they do not typically have altered levels of consciousness. They remain conscious and aware of their surroundings, but they struggle with recognizing familiar objects and people.
Choice D rationale:
Rapid mood swings Rapid mood swings are not a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease. Mood changes are more commonly associated with other psychiatric conditions. In Alzheimer's disease, individuals tend to exhibit personality changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or agitated, but these changes are not rapid mood swings.
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