A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been receiving lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The nurse notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the nurse expect?
- A. Withhold the next dose.
- B. Increase the dosage.
- C. Discontinue the medication.
- D. Administer the medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering the medication is appropriate for a stable lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. A level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for lithium, indicating that the client is receiving an adequate dose to maintain therapeutic effects. Withholding the next dose, increasing the dosage, or discontinuing the medication would not be indicated at this lithium level as it is within the desired range for therapeutic benefit. Therefore, the correct action would be to continue administering the medication to ensure the client maintains the therapeutic level of lithium.
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When collecting a sputum specimen from a client with tuberculosis, what action should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain the specimen immediately upon the client waking up.
- B. Wait one day to collect the specimen if the client cannot provide sputum.
- C. Ask the client to provide 15 to 20 ml of sputum.
- D. Wear sterile gloves when collecting the specimen.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain the specimen immediately upon the client waking up. Collecting sputum early in the morning provides the best sample for tuberculosis testing. Option B is incorrect because waiting a day can decrease the accuracy of the specimen. Option C is incorrect as it does not specify the optimal timing for specimen collection. Option D is incorrect as sterile gloves should be worn for infection control but do not specifically relate to the timing of specimen collection.
A client with a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Joint pain.
- B. Weight gain.
- C. Butterfly-shaped rash on the face.
- D. Increased appetite.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Weight gain. Weight gain is a common finding in clients with systemic lupus erythematosus due to fluid retention. Joint pain (choice A) is also common in SLE but is not specific to fluid retention. A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (choice C) is a classic symptom of SLE but is not related to fluid retention. Increased appetite (choice D) is less likely in SLE compared to weight gain.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the medication history of a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional identify as a contraindication for this client?
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Ibuprofen
- C. Clopidogrel
- D. Metoprolol
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Acetaminophen (choice A) and metoprolol (choice D) do not have significant interactions with warfarin. Ibuprofen (choice B) is an NSAID that can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, but clopidogrel is a more significant contraindication due to its antiplatelet effects. Therefore, healthcare professionals should be cautious when combining warfarin with clopidogrel due to the increased risk of bleeding compared to other options.
A healthcare provider is providing dietary teaching to a client who has osteoporosis. Which of the following foods should the healthcare provider recommend as the best source of calcium?
- A. Broccoli
- B. Cheddar cheese
- C. Almonds
- D. Fortified orange juice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cheddar cheese is a rich source of calcium and should be recommended to clients with osteoporosis. While broccoli and almonds also contain calcium, cheddar cheese provides a higher amount per serving. Fortified orange juice may contain added calcium, but it is not as concentrated a source as cheddar cheese. Therefore, the best choice for a client with osteoporosis seeking a high calcium food is cheddar cheese.
A nurse is providing teaching about folic acid to a client who is primigravida. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. You should take folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in your baby.
- B. You should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.
- C. You can increase your dietary intake of folic acid by consuming cereals and citrus fruits.
- D. You should expect improved energy levels when taking folic acid supplements.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects, and dietary sources like cereals and citrus fruits are good options to increase folic acid intake. Choice A is incorrect because folic acid is primarily recommended to prevent neural tube defects, not to prevent infections. Choice B is incorrect because the recommended daily intake of folic acid for pregnant women is at least 400 micrograms, not 300. Choice D is incorrect because folic acid is not typically associated with improving energy levels.
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