A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of lithium carbonate?
Thyroid enlargement
Constipation
Hyporeflexia
Elevated blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium can cause hypothyroidism and goiter as adverse effects. Therefore, monitoring of thyroid function and physical examination for thyroid enlargement is necessary during lithium therapy.
B. Constipation is not a typical adverse effect of lithium carbonate. It's more commonly associated with side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or polyuria.
C. Hyporeflexia is not commonly associated with lithium carbonate use. Lithium more commonly affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and seizures in cases of toxicity.
D. Lithium is more commonly associated with the opposite effect, lowering blood pressure rather than elevating it. It's known to have effects on sodium transport in renal tubules, leading to increased water retention and possibly hypotension.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lithium carbonate is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea and other GI symptoms.
B. It can take up to 3 weeks to see the full effects of lithium carbonate, which is used to treat bipolar disorder.
C. Clients do not need to follow a low-sodium diet; in fact, maintaining a consistent sodium intake is important while taking lithium,
D. While adequate fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, there's no specific recommendation to limit fluid intake to 800 ounces per day. However, clients should be advised to maintain hydration and be cautious of excessive fluid intake, especially if they have kidney or cardiovascular issues.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Methylergonovine is not indicated for preventing postpartum infections. Its primary action is on uterine smooth muscle to induce contractions, rather than having antimicrobial properties.
B. While methylergonovine can cause hypertension as a side effect, it's not used to prevent hypertension. It is used primarily to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contraction.
C. Methylergonovine is a uterotonic medication used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions, thereby reducing the risk of excessive bleeding after childbirth.
D. Methylergonovine does not prevent thromboembolic events; its mechanism of action primarily involves stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contraction rather than affecting blood coagulation.
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