A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.
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A client has a prescription for enteric-coated (EC) aspirin 325mg PO daily. The medication drawer contains one 325mg aspirin. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Contact the pharmacy and request the prescribed form of aspirin
- B. Instruct the client about the effects of the medication
- C. Administer the aspirin with a full glass of water or a small snack
- D. Withhold the aspirin until consulting with the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the pharmacy and request the prescribed form of aspirin. Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the intestine, not the stomach, to avoid irritation. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the client receives the correct form of aspirin as prescribed. Instructing the client about the effects of the medication (choice B) is not necessary at this point as the issue is related to the form of the aspirin. Administering the aspirin with a full glass of water or a small snack (choice C) is not appropriate as it does not address the need for the correct form of the medication. Withholding the aspirin (choice D) without consulting the healthcare provider is not advisable as it may lead to a delay in the client receiving the necessary medication.
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). What is the primary action of this medication?
- A. Neutralizes stomach acid
- B. Reduces gastric acid production
- C. Forms a protective barrier over ulcers
- D. Increases gastric mucus production
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduces gastric acid production. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by reducing gastric acid production, thereby helping to heal ulcers. While neutralizing stomach acid is associated with antacids, forming a protective barrier over ulcers is more characteristic of medications like sucralfate. The action described in choice D, increasing gastric mucus production, is not the primary mechanism of action of omeprazole in treating peptic ulcer disease.
The nurse observes that a male client's urinary catheter (Foley) drainage tubing is secured with tape to his abdomen and then attached to the bed frame. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Raise the bed to ensure the drainage bag remains off the floor
- B. Attach the drainage bag to the side rail instead of the bed frame
- C. Observe the appearance of the urine in the drainage tubing
- D. Secure the tubing to the client's gown instead of his abdomen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to secure the tubing to the client's gown instead of his abdomen. Securing the tubing to the client's abdomen can cause discomfort, trauma to the urethra, and increase the risk of infection. Attaching the drainage bag to the bed frame can lead to tension on the catheter, increasing the risk of dislodgement or trauma. Raising the bed does not address the issue of incorrect tubing securing. Observing the appearance of urine is important but secondary to ensuring proper tubing attachment.
A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed nitroglycerin. What is the primary action of this medication?
- A. Increases heart rate
- B. Lowers blood pressure
- C. Dilates coronary arteries
- D. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps increase oxygen supply to the heart tissue. Option A, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect because nitroglycerin does not directly affect heart rate. Option B, 'Lowers blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, its primary action in the context of MI is related to coronary artery dilation. Option D, 'Reduces myocardial oxygen demand,' is not the primary action of nitroglycerin in the treatment of myocardial infarction; its main action is to increase oxygen supply by dilating coronary arteries.
The healthcare provider is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic heart failure. Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?
- A. Increase fluid intake.
- B. Follow a low-sodium diet.
- C. Follow a high-protein diet.
- D. Increase sodium intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate dietary recommendation for a client with chronic heart failure is to follow a low-sodium diet. This helps manage the condition by reducing fluid retention and the workload on the heart. High fluid intake can lead to fluid overload and exacerbate heart failure symptoms. While protein is important for overall health, a high-protein diet is not specifically indicated for chronic heart failure. Increasing sodium intake is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid retention and increase the workload on the heart.