An adult client who is admitted to the mental health unit for treatment of bipolar disorder has a slightly slurred speech pattern and an unsteady gait. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
Reference Range
Blood alcohol level [Reference Range: 0 to 10.9 mmol/L (0% to 0.05%)]
Lithium [Reference Range: 0.8 to 1.2 mEq/L or 0.8 to 1.2 mmol/L]
Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L)
Six hours of sleep in the past three days.
Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L)
Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: Blood alcohol level of 0.09% (90 mmol/L) is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is within the reference range and does not indicate alcohol intoxication or withdrawal, which can affect the client's mental status and mood stability. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B: Six hours of sleep in the past three days is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this is a common symptom of bipolar disorder during manic episodes and does not require immediate intervention by the health care provider. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C: Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L (1.6 mmol/L) is the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this indicates lithium toxicity, which can cause neurological and renal impairment and potentially fatal complications such as seizures, coma, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice D: Weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in past month is not the most important finding for the nurse to report, as this may be related to decreased appetite or increased activity during manic episodes and does not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or safety. This is another distractor choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: A 14-year-old client with anorexia nervosa refusing to eat the evening snack is a concern, but it’s not an immediate threat. The nurse can address this issue after dealing with more urgent situations.
Choice B: An 18-year-old client with antisocial behavior being yelled at by other clients requires immediate attention. This situation can escalate quickly and may lead to physical harm or emotional distress for the client.
Choice C: A 16-year-old client diagnosed with major depression refusing to participate in group is a concern, but it’s not an immediate threat. The nurse can address this issue after dealing with more urgent situations.
Choice D: A 17-year-old client diagnosed with bipolar disorder pacing around the lobby might be experiencing agitation or restlessness, but unless they’re showing signs of immediate distress or posing a risk to themselves or others, it’s not the most urgent situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C is correct because repositioning the infant every 2 hours can help expose different parts of the skin to the phototherapy light and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The nurse should also check the skin for signs of irritation or burns.
Choice A is incorrect because feeding the infant every 4 hours is not specific to home phototherapy. The infant may need more frequent feedings depending on their hunger cues and weight gain.
Choice B is incorrect because performing diaper changes under the light is not necessary and may expose the infant's genitals to excessive light and heat. The nurse should advise the parents to cover the infant's eyes and genitals with protective shields during phototherapy.
Choice D is incorrect because covering the infant with a receiving blanket can reduce the exposure of the skin to the phototherapy light and decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. The nurse should advise the parents to keep the infant unclothed or only in a diaper during phototherapy.
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