A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed Lithium for bipolar disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should maintain a consistent sodium intake in my diet."
"I should have regular blood tests to monitor my lithium levels."
"It's important to restrict my fluid intake while taking this medication."
"I need to report any signs of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to my doctor."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "I should maintain a consistent sodium intake in my diet.": Sodium levels directly affect lithium levels in the body. Fluctuations in sodium intake can lead to lithium toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. A consistent sodium intake helps maintain stable lithium blood levels.
B. "I should have regular blood tests to monitor my lithium levels.": Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range and can become toxic if levels rise too high. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment, especially during dose adjustments or illness.
C. "It's important to restrict my fluid intake while taking this medication.": This statement is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Fluid restriction can lead to dehydration, increasing lithium reabsorption in the kidneys and raising the risk of toxicity. Clients should maintain adequate hydration, especially during hot weather or illness.
D. "I need to report any signs of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea to my doctor.": These are early signs of lithium toxicity. Prompt reporting is crucial so that lithium levels can be checked and treatment adjusted to prevent progression to severe toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Hypertension: Seen in anticholinergic toxicity due to decreased parasympathetic tone and possible unopposed sympathetic stimulation. The body's inability to relax vascular tone may contribute to elevated blood pressure.
- Urinary Retention: A classic feature of anticholinergic toxicity. Inhibition of muscarinic receptors leads to impaired detrusor muscle contraction, making urination difficult or impossible.
- Hyperthermia: Results from inhibited sweating (anhidrosis), which is a hallmark of anticholinergic toxicity. Without the ability to cool through evaporation, body temperature rises dangerously.
- Diaphoresis: Excessive sweating is mediated by muscarinic receptor activation in cholinergic toxicity. It's often part of the SLUDGE symptoms seen in organophosphate poisoning or cholinesterase inhibitor overdose.
- Bronchoconstriction: Caused by overstimulation of muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to narrowed bronchi and increased respiratory secretions — a dangerous feature of cholinergic excess.
- Salivation: Prominent in cholinergic toxicity due to unopposed parasympathetic activation. It may occur along with lacrimation, bradycardia, and other signs of excessive cholinergic stimulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Avoid caffeine while taking this medication: Theophylline is a methylxanthine, similar in structure and effect to caffeine. Concurrent use can increase CNS stimulation and risk of side effects such as insomnia, tachycardia, and tremors. Avoiding caffeine helps prevent toxicity and unwanted stimulation.
B. Crush your extended-release tablet and mix it with apple sauce for easier consumption: Extended-release formulations should never be crushed, as this can lead to rapid absorption and potentially toxic drug levels. Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index, and proper dosing is critical.
C. Take this medication as needed when you are not feeling well: Theophylline is a maintenance medication meant to be taken on a regular schedule. Taking it only as needed undermines its therapeutic effectiveness and can lead to inconsistent symptom control.
D. Consume a high-protein diet: While diet can influence drug metabolism, there is no routine recommendation for a high-protein diet with Theophylline. In fact, sudden dietary changes can alter its metabolism, requiring careful monitoring of serum drug levels.
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