A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium and reports starting a new exercise program. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
Hypomagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hyponatremia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Hypomagnesemia is incorrect. Lithium therapy itself is not a direct cause of hypomagnesemia. While exercise can affect magnesium levels to some extent, it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance that is typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Choice B Reason:
Hypocalcemia is incorrect. Similarly, lithium therapy is not a direct cause of hypocalcemia. Exercise can affect calcium metabolism, but it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
When a client taking lithium begins a new exercise program, the nurse should primarily assess for the risk of:
Choice C Reason:
Hyponatremia is correct. Lithium can affect the body's regulation of sodium, and excessive sweating due to increased exercise can lead to sodium loss. This combination can potentially contribute to the development of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Therefore, when a client on lithium starts a new exercise regimen that may induce sweating, monitoring for signs of hyponatremia becomes crucial. Symptoms of hyponatremia can include confusion, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Choice D Reason:
Hypokalemia is incorrect. Lithium itself does not commonly cause hypokalemia. Exercise can lead to potassium loss through sweating, but hypokalemia is not the primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Visual disturbances is the correct findings. In individuals taking digoxin, visual disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision can indicate early signs of medication toxicity. This symptom often requires prompt medical attention, as it can precede more severe complications.
Choice B Reason:
Sudden weight gain is not correct. While weight gain can be a symptom of worsening heart failure, it's not typically associated specifically with digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly related to fluid retention in heart failure.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.4 mEq/L is not correct. This potassium level is within the normal range. Digoxin toxicity can be exacerbated by low potassium levels, but a normal potassium level doesn't directly indicate digoxin toxicity.
Choice D Reason:
Insomnia is not a typical early sign of digoxin toxicity. It's more commonly associated with issues like difficulty sleeping rather than being a direct symptom of digoxin toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Dry cough is incorrect. While cough can be a side effect of amphotericin B, it's not a hallmark sign of an acute infusion reaction.
Choice B Reason:
Fever is correct. Acute infusion reactions to amphotericin B can manifest in various ways, and fever is a common sign indicating an immediate adverse reaction during the infusion. Other potential signs of an acute infusion reaction may include chills, rigors, hypotension, flushing, headache, or nausea.
Choice C Reason:
Pedal edema is incorrect. Swelling of the feet or pedal edema is not a typical manifestation of an acute infusion reaction to amphotericin B.
Choice D Reason:
Hyperglycemia is incorrect. Increased blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) are not commonly associated with an acute infusion reaction to amphotericin B. However, amphotericin B may have effects on electrolytes and kidney function that could indirectly impact glucose levels.
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