A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which laboratory result should prompt the nurse to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider?

Potassium 4.2 mEq/L

Sodium 136 mEq/L

Calcium 9.0 mg/dL

Creatinine 2.1 mg/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L).

B. Sodium 136 mEq/L is slightly low but does not warrant withholding lithium. However, sodium levels should be monitored regularly as low sodium increases the risk of lithium toxicity.

C. A calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5–10.2 mg/dL).

D. An elevated creatinine level (2.1 mg/dL) indicates possible renal dysfunction, which is a concern for lithium use. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function increases the risk of lithium toxicity.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A level of 1.8 mEq/L is too high for initial treatment, as it is above the therapeutic range.

B. A level of 1.8 mEq/L is not within the maintenance treatment level, which is typically 0.6–1.2 mEq/L.

C. The level is above the therapeutic level, not below it.

D. A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.6–1.2 mEq/L) and is considered toxic. Toxicity can lead to serious side effects like tremors, confusion, and renal dysfunction.

A. Potassium B. Sodium C. Vitamin C D. Vitamin K

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Potassium intake is not specifically important for the management of lithium therapy, though potassium levels should be monitored in some situations for general health.

B. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder, and it is important to maintain a consistent sodium intake. Lithium levels can be affected by changes in sodium levels, as low sodium levels can increase lithium toxicity.

C. Vitamin C is not directly related to lithium therapy and is not necessary for managing its effects.

D. Vitamin K does not have a significant role in lithium therapy and does not impact its effectiveness or toxicity.

View Question and Answer

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

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which laboratory result should prompt the nurse to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse reviews the laboratory report for a client who is receiving lithium three times daily PO. The client's current blood lithium level is 1.8 mEq/L. The nurse identifies that this lab value indicates which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lithium to treat bipolar disorder. The nurse should instruct the client to ensure an adequate intake of which of the following dietary elements?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is preparing to administer morning medication for a client who has been taking lithium for 2 weeks and has a current lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?

A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is admitting a client who has panic-level anxiety. After showing the client to his room, which of the following nursing actions is most therapeutic at this time?

A client with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) asks how her condition differs from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). What is the nurse's best response?

A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client states, "I feel like Superman. I can do anything. I can fly home today and then become a U.S. Senator." Which of the following findings is this client exhibiting?

A 35-year-old client with OCD spends several hours each day arranging and rearranging household items in a specific order. The client becomes extremely distressed if the items are not arranged correctly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to a variety of circumstances, and is unable to control their sense of worry. The nurse should identity that these manifestations indicate which of the following?