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 D
Explanation
This is because a weight gain of 2.5 kg (5 Ib) in 2 days indicates a worsening of heart failure and fluid retention, which may require an adjustment of the diuretic dose or other medications.
The provider should be informed of this change as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Choice A is wrong because teaching the client about foods low in sodium is not the first action the nurse should take.
While a low-sodium diet is important for heart failure patients, it is not an urgent intervention and it does not address the immediate problem of fluid overload.
Choice B is wrong because determining medication adherence by the client is not the first action the nurse should take.
While it is important to assess if the client is taking furosemide as prescribed, it is not an urgent intervention and it does not rule out other causes of fluid retention, such as renal impairment or disease progression.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair is not the first action the nurse should take.
While this may help reduce edema in the lower extremities, it does not address the underlying cause of fluid overload and it may worsen pulmonary congestion by increasing venous return to the heart.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a.While weight changes can be concerning, they are not typically life-threatening and can occur as a common side effect of antidepressants, including citalopram. Monitoring is important, but it does not require immediate reporting.
b.This is the priority to report because confusion can indicate a serious reaction to the medication, such as serotonin syndrome, especially if it occurs in conjunction with other symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, or rapid heart rate. Confusion can also signal worsening mental status, which is critical for someone with major depression.
c.This refers to teeth grinding, which can occur with certain antidepressants. While it should be monitored and possibly addressed with interventions, it is generally not an immediate concern compared to confusion.
d.Sleep disturbances can be a side effect of citalopram and may need adjustment of treatment or recommendations for sleep hygiene, but they are not as urgent as confusion.
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