Which instruction should the nurse give a client who is prescribed lithium carbonate (lithium)?
Maintain stable fluid intake.
Restrict salt.
Restrict fluid.
Exercise in hot weather.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium is excreted primarily by the kidneys, and its clearance can be affected by changes in fluid balance. It's important for clients taking lithium to maintain a stable and adequate fluid intake to help regulate lithium levels in the body. Stable fluid intake helps maintain electrolyte balance, which is crucial for the proper function of lithium and prevention of adverse effects.
B. Lithium can affect sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. High levels of sodium intake can alter lithium levels in the body, potentially leading to toxicity. Therefore, clients on lithium therapy are often advised to maintain a consistent and moderate level of sodium intake. Excessive dietary salt can interfere with lithium's therapeutic effects.
C. Restricting fluid intake is not recommended unless there are specific medical reasons to do so. Lithium therapy generally requires adequate hydration to maintain kidney function and prevent dehydration, which can affect lithium levels.
D. Exercising in hot weather can lead to increased sweating and fluid loss, which can potentially affect lithium levels by altering hydration status. However, the primary concern during exercise in hot weather is maintaining adequate hydration rather than restricting it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension about future events or uncertain outcomes. In this situation, the client's concerns about her husband's chronic illness diagnosis, his treatment, and financial implications (due to his inability to work) indicate that she is experiencing anxiety. These worries are typical responses to stressful life events and uncertainties.
B. Shock is a sudden and intense emotional reaction typically experienced immediately after a traumatic or unexpected event. While the client may initially experience shock upon hearing her husband's diagnosis, ongoing worry about treatment and financial concerns suggests a more prolonged state of anxiety rather than acute shock.
C. Withdrawal refers to a disengagement or retreat from social interactions or activities. There is no indication in the scenario that the client is withdrawing from social interactions. Rather, she is actively expressing concerns and seeking support, which is inconsistent with withdrawal.
D. Anger involves feelings of hostility, frustration, or resentment towards others or situations. While anger could potentially arise in response to the stressors described, the primary emotion expressed by the client in this scenario is worry and concern, which aligns more closely with anxiety than anger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C This is a common and potentially life-threatening complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa who are undergoing treatment. It can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
A. Anorexia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), due to inadequate intake of sodium and fluid restriction. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also contribute to hyponatremia by causing the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), which leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. However, it is not as life-threatening as hypokalemia.
B. Anorexia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), due to inadequate intake of sodium and fluid restriction. However, it is not as life-threatening as hypokalemia.
D. Anorexia nervosa typically does not lead to hyperkalemia (high serum potassium level), as potassium is usually lost through purging behaviors or inadequate intake. Antidepressants also do not commonly cause hyperkalemia as a side effect.
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