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A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

The nurse is collecting data from the client 12 hr later.

How should the nurse interpret the following findings?

For each potential finding, click to specify whether the finding is an indication of potential improvement or an indication of potential worsening condition.

A.

Vision

B.

Lithium level

C.

Urine output

D.

Mucous membranes

E.

Vital signs

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

  • Vision (Blurred)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Blurred vision can be a sign of lithium toxicity. Despite the lithium level improving, this symptom indicates that neurotoxicity may still be present.

  • Lithium Level (1.2 mEq/L)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: The lithium level has decreased from 1.8 mEq/L (toxic) to 1.2 mEq/L, which is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). This indicates that treatment to lower lithium toxicity is effective.

  • Urine Output (40 mL/hr)

    • Interpretation: Potential improvement
    • Rationale: A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within the acceptable range (normal is greater than 30 mL/hr), suggesting that kidney function is adequate and not compromised by lithium toxicity.

  • Mucous Membranes (Pale, Dry)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: Pale, dry mucous membranes suggest dehydration, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity and negatively affect overall health.

  • Vital Signs (BP 88/50 mm Hg, Pulse 96/min)

    • Interpretation: Potential worsening condition
    • Rationale: The drop in blood pressure from 130/84 mm Hg to 88/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension. This could be related to dehydration or lithium toxicity, and it requires follow-up as the condition is deteriorating.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Restlessness is a common early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can be caused by the brain’s response to the pressure, leading to agitation and restlessness.
Choice B rationale:
Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is not typically a sign of increased ICP. It can be a response to other factors such as pain, anxiety, or certain medications.
Choice C rationale:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically a sign of increased ICP. In fact, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is more commonly associated with increased ICP2.
Choice D rationale:
Amnesia, or memory loss, is not typically a sign of increased ICP. It can be a result of the brain injury itself, but it is not a direct indicator of increased ICP2.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
The ESR is a common blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. Inflammation can cause the cells to settle faster, and this test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments like aspirin.
Choice B rationale:
The WBC count is a measure of the body’s immune response and is not directly affected by aspirin.
Choice C rationale:
The RF is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not change with aspirin treatment.
Choice D rationale:
The ANA is a test used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, and it is not affected by aspirin.

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