A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has bipolar disorder and a prescription for lithium. Which of the following laboratory results places the client at risk for lithium toxicity?
- A. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
- B. Sodium 130 mEq/L
- C. Chloride 98 mEq/L
- D. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium 130 mEq/L. Low sodium levels increase the risk of lithium toxicity as lithium competes with sodium for reabsorption in the kidneys. This can lead to higher lithium levels in the bloodstream, putting the client at risk for toxicity. The other choices (A, C, D) are within normal ranges and do not directly impact lithium toxicity. Therefore, the client with low sodium levels is at the highest risk for lithium toxicity.
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A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parents of a child who has ADHD and a prescription for methylphenidate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Administer the medication at bedtime
- B. Monitor the child’s weight frequently
- C. Give the medication with milk
- D. Discontinue the medication if insomnia occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the child’s weight frequently. This is important because methylphenidate, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, can potentially lead to appetite suppression and weight loss in children. Regular monitoring of the child's weight can help identify any significant changes and allow for appropriate interventions if needed.
Choice A is incorrect because administering the medication at bedtime can lead to insomnia due to its stimulant effects. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific recommendation to give the medication with milk. Choice D is incorrect because insomnia is a common side effect of methylphenidate and does not necessarily warrant discontinuation of the medication unless severe or persistent.
A nurse is planning care for a client with acute delirium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Reinforce the clients orientation with the calendar
- B. Refute the clients perception of visual hallucinations
- C. Teach the client assertive techniques
- D. Assign the client to a different caregiver each shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reinforce the client's orientation with the calendar. This is because in acute delirium, the client may experience confusion and disorientation. Using a calendar can help provide structure and aid in orientation. Choice B is incorrect as refuting hallucinations may worsen the client's agitation. Choice C is incorrect as assertive techniques are not typically used in managing acute delirium. Choice D is incorrect as consistency in caregivers is important for continuity of care in delirium management.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take lithium on an empty stomach
- B. Avoid consuming foods high in sodium
- C. Drink 2-3 liters of water daily
- D. Increase caffeine intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can cause dehydration. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps prevent lithium toxicity and maintain proper kidney function. Choice A is incorrect because lithium should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B is incorrect because limiting sodium intake is not directly related to lithium therapy. Choice D is incorrect as increasing caffeine intake can lead to dehydration and worsen lithium side effects.
A nurse is leading a grief support group for bereaved clients. Which of the following client statements should the nurse report to the provider as an indication of clinical depression?
- A. I don’t know how I could cope if I didn’t have my family’s support
- B. It’ll be a long time before I’m happy again
- C. I don’t feel anything but numbness anymore
- D. I feel like I’m angry at the whole world right now
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I don’t feel anything but numbness anymore." This statement indicates a significant emotional numbness, which is a common symptom of clinical depression. It suggests a lack of normal emotional responses, which can be concerning.
Choice A does not specifically indicate clinical depression but rather expresses a need for support. Choice B reflects a natural response to grief and does not necessarily indicate depression. Choice D suggests anger, which can also be a normal part of the grieving process.
In summary, Choice C is the correct answer as it directly points to a key symptom of clinical depression, while the other choices reflect common emotional responses to grief that may not necessarily indicate depression.
A nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Seat the client at a dining table with six or more residents
- B. Provide the client with several choices for meal selection
- C. Give complete directions before starting client care
- D. Use symbols to assist the client in locating rooms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Using symbols to assist the client in locating rooms is beneficial for a client with Alzheimer's as they may have difficulty remembering locations. Symbols can serve as visual cues to help them navigate and reduce confusion. A: Seating the client at a dining table with multiple residents may be overwhelming and lead to agitation. B: Providing several meal choices can be confusing and increase indecision for someone with Alzheimer's. C: Giving complete directions all at once may be too much information for the client to process. Instead, simple and clear instructions are more effective.