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 C
Explanation
A. Documentation should occur every 15-30 minutes to ensure the client's safety and to assess the need for continuing or removing the restraints.
B. Keep the client in restraints until the prescription expires: Restraints should be used for the shortest duration necessary to ensure the safety of the client and others. Keeping the client restrained until the prescription expires without reevaluation may not align with best practices for restraint use.
C. Conducting a debriefing with the unit staff is crucial to evaluate the situation, discuss the events leading up to the use of restraints, and develop strategies to prevent the need for future restraint use. This helps ensure the safety and well-being of the client and others, as well as improve care practices.
D.Typically, the evaluation should occur within 1-4 hours depending on the facility's policy and the urgency of the situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a.Spending equal time with clients regardless of their insurance status: This situation relates more to justice, ensuring fairness and equality in client care, rather than fidelity.
b.This scenario represents the principle of veracity, which involves providing truthful and accurate information to clients. It ensures that clients are fully informed and can give informed consent regarding their treatment.
c.Respecting the decision of clients to refuse to participate in group therapy:Fidelityrefers to the duty to be loyal, faithful, and keep promises. It involves maintaining trust and being reliable in our interactions with clients. This situation aligns with fidelity. Respecting a client's decision to refuse treatment, even if it's something the nurse believes would be beneficial, demonstrates fidelity to the client's autonomy and their right to make choices about their care.
d.This situation reflects the principle of beneficence, which involves taking actions to benefit clients, including continuing education to improve client care and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm).
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