A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Prior to administering the first dose, which of the following laboratory values should the nurse evaluate?
Arterial blood gases
Total cholesterol
Thyroid hormones
Hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Arterial blood gases - Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed before initiating lithium carbonate therapy.
B. Total cholesterol - Total cholesterol levels are not specifically relevant to monitoring lithium therapy.
C. Thyroid hormones - Thyroid function should be assessed before initiating lithium therapy because lithium can affect thyroid function, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
D. Hemoglobin - While hemoglobin levels may be monitored during lithium therapy, they are not typically assessed prior to initiating treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Beef liver - Beef liver is high in cholesterol and should be limited in the diet of someone with increased cholesterol levels.
B. Egg whites - Egg whites are low in cholesterol and can be a good source of protein for someone with increased cholesterol levels. It's the yolk of the egg that contains most of the cholesterol, so recommending egg whites is a good choice.
C. Steamed clams - Clams are low in cholesterol, but they are high in sodium, which may not be recommended for someone with increased cholesterol levels, depending on their overall dietary needs.
D. Broiled lobster - Lobster is high in cholesterol and should be limited in the diet of someone with increased cholesterol levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Speaking directly into one of the client's ears may be ineffective if the client has bilateral hearing impairment or if the hearing impairment is not related to the ear anatomy.
B. Rephrasing sentences the client does not understand can help clarify communication and ensure the client receives necessary information.
C. Dropping voice volume at the end of sentences can make it difficult for the client to hear the entire message, especially if the client relies on lip-reading or amplification devices.
D. Exaggerating lip movements may not be helpful for all clients with hearing impairment and may not accurately convey the intended message. Instead, clear and natural lip movements should be used along with other communication strategies such as rephrasing sentences and facing the client directly.
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