A nurse is planning to teach a client who is taking lithium. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching as adverse effects of therapeutic lithium level?
Weight gain and dry mouth
Oliguria and muscle weakness
Hallucinations and blurred vision
Coarse hand tremors and confusion
The Correct Answer is A
A. Weight gain and dry mouth: Weight gain and dry mouth are common adverse effects of lithium at therapeutic levels. They are not immediately dangerous but can affect compliance with the medication regimen.
B. Oliguria (reduced urine output) and muscle weakness are more concerning symptoms. They can indicate potential toxicity, especially oliguria, which suggests possible renal impairment, a serious concern with lithium therapy.
C. Hallucinations and blurred vision are more severe and typically associated with lithium toxicity rather than therapeutic levels. They indicate a need for immediate medical attention.
D. Coarse hand tremors and confusion: Coarse hand tremors and confusion are signs of lithium toxicity. At therapeutic levels, fine hand tremors can occur, but coarse tremors and confusion suggest higher serum levels.These symptoms are associated with toxicity and require urgent medical evaluation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client has a serotonin deficiency
This choice suggests a biological risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and alterations in its levels or function can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. A deficiency in serotonin is considered a significant biological risk factor for MDD.
B. The client has acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes typically caused by viral infections, is not directly associated with major depressive disorder. While physical health issues can impact mental health and exacerbate depressive symptoms, acute bronchitis is not a recognized risk factor for MDD.
C. The client has an elevated calcium level
Elevated calcium levels are not typically considered a risk factor for major depressive disorder. While imbalances in electrolytes like calcium can have physiological effects on the body, they are not directly linked to the development of depression.
D. The client is an only child
Being an only child is a demographic characteristic and is not considered a direct risk factor for major depressive disorder. While family dynamics and relationships can influence mental health, being an only child alone is not causally related to the development of depression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A nurse did not clarify a client's prescription that was difficult to read resulting in a medication error: This scenario describes a medication error due to the nurse's failure to exercise reasonable care by not clarifying a difficult-to-read prescription. This constitutes negligence, making it an example of an unintentional tort.
B. A nurse posted private information on social media about a client who has substance use disorder: This scenario involves a breach of confidentiality, which is a violation of the client's privacy rights. However, it is considered an intentional tort (specifically, invasion of privacy) rather than an unintentional tort.
C. A nurse placed a client in mechanical restraints without containing a prescription, resulting in injury: This scenario describes a failure to follow proper procedures (restraining a client without a prescription), resulting in harm to the client. This also constitutes negligence, making it an example of an unintentional tort.
D. A nurse threatened a client with physical harm after the client became verbally abusive to staff members: This scenario involves the nurse's intentional act of threatening physical harm to the client, which constitutes an intentional tort (assault).
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