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
Lithium can cause hyponatremia by increasing the secretion of antidiuretic hormone and reducing the renal clearance of sodium.
Strenuous exercise can also cause hyponatremia by increasing sweat loss and fluid intake. Therefore, a client who is taking lithium and starting a new exercise program is at risk of developing hyponatremia.
Choice A is wrong because hypomagnesemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.
Choice B is wrong because hypocalcemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.
Choice D is wrong because hypokalemia is not a common side effect of lithium or exercise.
However, lithium can interact with some diuretics that can cause hypokalemia, so the client should avoid taking these drugs without consulting their doctor. Normal ranges for electrolytes are:
Sodium: 135-145 mmol/L
Magnesium: 0.7-1.1 mmol/L
Calcium: 2.1-2.6 mmol/L
Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider because cefuroxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are allergic to penicillin. The nurse should not administer cefuroxime to this client until the provider is notified and an alternative antibiotic is prescribed.
Choice A is wrong because the client has a BUN level of 18 mg/dL, which is within the normal range of 7 to 20 mg/dL.
This does not indicate any renal impairment or adverse reaction to cefuroxime.
Choice B is wrong because the client reports a history of nausea with cefuroxime, which is a common side effect of this drug.
The nurse should instruct the client to take cefuroxime with food to reduce nausea, but this is not a priority to report to the provider.
Choice D is wrong because the client takes aspirin daily, which does not interact with cefuroxime.
The nurse should monitor the client for any signs of bleeding or bruising while taking aspirin, but this is not a priority to report to the provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Nitroglycerin transdermal patches are used to prevent episodes of angina (chest pain) in people who have coronary artery disease (narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart). They work by relaxing the blood vessels so that the heart does not need to work as hard and therefore does not need as much oxygen.
Choice A is wrong because nitroglycerin transdermal patches cannot be used to treat an attack of angina once it has begun. They can only be used to prevent attacks of angina. If you have chest pain, you should use another form of nitroglycerin, such as sublingual tablets or spray.
Choice B is wrong because headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin transdermal patches and does not mean that you should stop using them. However, you should tell your doctor if the headaches are severe or do not go away. You may also take acetaminophen to relieve the headache.
Choice D is wrong because you do not need to cover the patch with dry gauze when taking a shower. You may shower while you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch. If a patch loosens or falls off, replace it with a fresh one.
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