A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings and notes that a client's plasma Lithium level is 2.1 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?
- A. Perform immediate gastric lavage.
- B. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- C. Administrative and additional oral dose of lithium.
- D. Request a stat repeat of the laboratory test
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A level of 2.1 mEq/L indicates toxicity (normal 0.6-1.2 mEq/L); hemodialysis is used for severe cases.
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A patient comes to the ER having his quadriceps muscle constantly contracted, you should give him:
- A. Norepinephrine to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
- B. An antagonist for Norepinephrine
- C. Agonist for acetylcholine
- D. Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Both B and C are correct: a norepinephrine antagonist (e.g., beta-blocker) or acetylcholine agonist (e.g., to relax via parasympathetic action) could relieve muscle contraction.
A patient is prescribed lidocaine for ventricular arrhythmias. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Nausea
- C. Seizures
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lidocaine, a Class IB antiarrhythmic, can cause CNS side effects like seizures at high doses, a key monitoring point.
Which of the following is the mechanism of action of iodides:
- A. Inhibits organification of iodine
- B. By inhibiting \mathrm{Na}+/ \mathrm{l} - simporter reduce iodine transport in thyroid gland
- C. Inhibits production of trioodthyronine form tetraiodthyronine on periphery
- D. Stimulates peroxidase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Iodides inhibit iodine organification, reducing thyroid hormone synthesis in high doses.
Secobarbital and ethanol when given together show:
- A. Additive sedative action
- B. Reduced sedative action
- C. Competitive antagonism
- D. Chemical antagonism
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Both secobarbital (barbiturate) and ethanol are CNS depressants, resulting in additive sedation.
Elderly patients who are started on levothyroxine for hypothyroidism may experience which of the following as a side effect that would require reevaluation of dosage?
- A. Excessive sedation
- B. Tachycardia and angina
- C. Weight gain
- D. Cold intolerance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Levothyroxine can cause tachycardia and angina in the elderly if overdosed; sedation or weight gain suggest underdosing.