A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has bipolar disorder prior to the administration of lithium carbonate. The client's lithium level is.6 mEq/L.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assist the client to a left lateral position.
Implement fluid restrictions.
Request a dosage increase from the provider.
Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
The Correct Answer is C
- A. Assist the client to a left lateral position.
- This is generally used for clients at risk of aspiration, and it's not indicated based on the lithium level.
- B. Implement fluid restrictions.
- Fluid restrictions are usually implemented when there is a risk of fluid overload or hyponatremia, and not in this case. In fact, dehydration can raise lithium levels to toxic levels, so proper hydration is important.
- C. Request a dosage increase from the provider.
- While 0.6 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range, some providers may want to see a level slightly higher for maintenance. So requesting a dosage increase from the provider is the correct action.
- D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- Hemodialysis is used to remove lithium from the blood in cases of severe lithium toxicity, which is indicated by levels significantly higher than 1.5 mEq/L. This is not needed when the lithium level is 0.6 mEq/L.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
These are all risk factors for an adverse drug reaction in older adults.
Decreased renal function is a disease-related factor that can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Multiple health problems or complex comorbidity can also increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Polypharmacy is a medication-related factor that can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Choice A is wrong because Decreased percentage of body fat, is not an answer because it is not mentioned as a risk factor for adverse drug reactions in older adults in the search results.
Choice E, Increased rate of absorption, is not an answer because it is not mentioned as a risk factor for adverse drug reactions in older adults in the search results.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to monitor and report bruising as an adverse effect of taking clopidogrel.
Clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding, which can be severe or life- threatening.
Choice A is wrong because blurred vision is not a common adverse effect of clopidogrel.
Choice B is wrong because constipation is not a common adverse effect of clopidogrel.
Choice C is wrong because weight loss is not a common adverse effect of clopidogrel.
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