A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory results prior to administering the client’s medications. The nurse notes that the client’s lithium level is 2.0 mEq/L.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle irritability.
Constipation.
Hypoglycemia.
Increased BP.
The Correct Answer is A
Muscle irritability. A client with a lithium level of
2.0 mEq/L has severe lithium toxicity, which can cause muscle irritability, tremors, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. The normal therapeutic range for lithium is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L.
Choice B is wrong because constipation is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible side effect of lithium therapy at lower doses.
Choice C is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible complication of diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels.
Choice D is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease or other conditions that affect blood vessels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Blood glucose 130 mg/dL.
This is because the normal range of blood glucose for pregnant women is 70 - 110 mg/dL .
A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates gestational diabetes, which can have adverse effects on the mother and the fetus.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider and initiate interventions such as dietary counseling, glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy if needed.
Choice A is wrong because WBC 7,000/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL .
A low WBC count would indicate an increased risk of infection, while a high WBC count would indicate inflammation or infection.
Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 13 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 11 to 14 g/dL .
A low hemoglobin level would indicate anemia, while a high hemoglobin level would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Choice D is wrong because RBC 5.8 million/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4.2 to 5.9 million/mm³ .
A low RBC count would indicate anemia or hemorrhage, while a high RBC count would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Muscle irritability. A client with a lithium level of
2.0 mEq/L has severe lithium toxicity, which can cause muscle irritability, tremors, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. The normal therapeutic range for lithium is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L.
Choice B is wrong because constipation is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible side effect of lithium therapy at lower doses.
Choice C is wrong because hypoglycemia is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible complication of diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar levels.
Choice D is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a sign of lithium toxicity, but rather a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease or other conditions that affect blood vessels.
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