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 reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because a firm mattress reduces the risk of suffocation and rebreathing of carbon dioxide, which are associated with SIDS.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because propping the infant with a pillow can cause the infant to slide down and suffocate or obstruct the airway.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because swaddling the infant in a blanket can cause overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because placing the infant in a prone position can increase the risk of SIDS by impairing gas exchange and thermoregulation.
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