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A client on lithium has diarrhea and vomiting. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Recognize this as a drug interaction
- B. Give the client Cogentin
- C. Reassure the client that these are common side effects of lithium therapy
- D. Hold the next dose and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Diarrhea and vomiting are manifestations of lithium toxicity. The priority action for the nurse is to hold the next dose of lithium and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level to confirm toxicity. This ensures patient safety and prevents further harm. Recognizing it as a drug interaction is not the first step in this scenario. Cogentin is used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) associated with antipsychotics, not lithium toxicity. Reassuring the client about these symptoms as common side effects of lithium therapy is inappropriate as they indicate a more serious issue than typical side effects like hand tremors, nausea, polyuria, and polydipsia.
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A client with a new prescription for lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder is being educated by a nurse on early indications of toxicity. The nurse should include which of the following manifestations in the teachings?
- A. Constipation
- B. Polyuria
- C. Rash
- D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria is a crucial early indication of lithium toxicity. It results from the drug's effect on the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. This is a significant symptom to monitor as it can indicate potential toxicity. Constipation, rash, and tinnitus are not typically associated with early indications of lithium toxicity. Constipation is more commonly seen as a side effect of some medications, while rash and tinnitus are not specific indicators of lithium toxicity.
The client is receiving an MAOI. Which foods should the nurse caution the client to avoid?
- A. Pork, spinach, and fresh oysters
- B. Milk, grapes, and meat tenderizers
- C. Cheese, beer, and products with chocolate
- D. Leafy green vegetables, fresh apples, and ice cream
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When a client is receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), they should avoid foods high in tyramine to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Cheese, beer, and products with chocolate are rich in tyramine and can interact with MAOIs, leading to a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D do not contain high levels of tyramine and are not typically restricted when taking MAOIs.
You are caring for a group of elderly clients, many of whom are affected by multiple chronic disorders and are also, at times, affected by some acute disorders that require medical and nursing attention. As you are caring for these clients, some will need a new medication regimen for an acute disorder. You should consider the fact that the elderly population is at risk for more side effects, adverse drug reactions, and toxicity due to the elderly having a(n):
- A. Increased creatinine clearance.
- B. Impaired immune system.
- C. Decreased hepatic metabolism.
- D. Increased bodily fat
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased hepatic metabolism.' The elderly population is at risk for more side effects, adverse drug reactions, and toxicity due to a decrease in hepatic metabolism. This is caused by changes in hepatic functioning in the elderly, including decreased hepatic blood flow and functioning. Choice A, 'Increased creatinine clearance,' is incorrect as aging typically results in decreased, not increased, creatinine clearance. Choice B, 'Impaired immune system,' is not directly related to the increased risk of adverse drug reactions in the elderly. Choice D, 'Increased bodily fat,' is not a primary factor contributing to the increased risk of medication-related issues in the elderly population.
The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child for symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Which assessment finding should lead the nurse to question the diagnosis?
- A. Inability to react appropriately to social cues
- B. Engages in repetitive behaviors
- C. Comprehends language well beyond the complexity expected for age
- D. Displays self-destructive behavior
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Comprehends language well beyond the complexity expected for age.' Children with autism spectrum disorder typically struggle with language and communication skills, so comprehending language well beyond their age level would not align with the diagnosis of ASD. This finding could indicate other developmental strengths or delays. Choices A, B, and D are more commonly associated with ASD - the inability to react appropriately to social cues, engaging in repetitive behaviors, and displaying self-destructive behavior are typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorder.
A 27-year-old writer is admitted for the second time accompanied by his wife. He is demanding, arrogant, talks fast, and is hyperactive. Initially the nurse should plan this for a manic client:
- A. Set realistic limits to the client's behavior
- B. Repeat verbal instructions as often as needed
- C. Allow the client to express feelings to relieve tension
- D. Assign staff to be with the client at all times to help maintain control
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a manic client who is hyperactive and may engage in injurious activities, setting realistic limits to the client's behavior is crucial to ensure safety. A quiet environment with firm and consistent limits helps in managing the client's behavior effectively. While repeating verbal instructions can be helpful due to the client's distractibility, it is not the priority compared to setting limits for safety concerns. Allowing the client to express feelings is important, but it should be done through non-destructive methods. Assigning staff to be with the client at all times is not realistic or feasible in the clinical setting and does not address the core issue of managing the client's behavior and ensuring safety.