A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a client who has been taking lithium for 6 months. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Lithium level 0.8 mEq/L
- B. Sodium 130 mEq/L
- C. Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL
- D. WBC 8,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL. This finding should be reported because an elevated creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can lead to lithium toxicity. Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can result in lithium accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Reporting this finding promptly will allow the provider to adjust the dosage of lithium to prevent toxicity.
Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly indicate lithium toxicity. A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Sodium level of 130 mEq/L is also within normal limits. WBC count of 8,000/mm³ is normal and not directly related to lithium toxicity. Therefore, these findings do not require immediate reporting compared to the elevated creatinine level.
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A school nurse is caring for an adolescent client whose teacher reports changes in school performance and withdrawal from interaction with classmates. Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority at this time?
- A. Contact the adolescent’s parents
- B. Suggest the adolescent join support groups
- C. Ask the adolescent if he is considering hurting himself
- D. Determine when the adolescent’s change in behavior began
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask the adolescent if he is considering hurting himself. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate safety and well-being of the adolescent. By directly asking about thoughts of self-harm, the nurse can assess the risk of suicide and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Contacting the parents (choice A) can be important but not the priority in this situation. Suggesting support groups (choice B) and determining when the behavior changes began (choice D) are important steps but not as urgent as assessing for suicidal ideation.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. For which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate administration of lorazepam?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Stupor
- C. Afebrile
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypertension. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including hypertension. Alcohol withdrawal often leads to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, causing elevated blood pressure. Lorazepam helps to reduce this symptom by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Bradycardia (A), stupor (B), and afebrile (C) are not indications for lorazepam administration in alcohol withdrawal. Bradycardia and stupor may require further evaluation for potential complications, while afebrile state does not directly warrant lorazepam use.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results on an adolescent who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Blood glucose 100 mg/dL
- B. T4 11 mcg/dL
- C. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
- D. Hgb 10 g/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hgb 10 g/dL. In an adolescent with anorexia nervosa, low hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are expected due to malnutrition and inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Anorexia nervosa can lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients such as iron, which can result in anemia and low Hgb levels. This is a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Blood glucose of 100 mg/dL (choice A) is within the normal range and not specific to anorexia nervosa. T4 of 11 mcg/dL (choice B) is also within the normal range and not typically affected by anorexia nervosa. Potassium of 3.7 mEq/L (choice C) is within the normal range and not a common finding in anorexia nervosa. Therefore, the correct answer is D as it is a common laboratory finding associated with anorexia nervosa.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Administer disulfiram
- B. Monitor for seizures
- C. Restrict fluid intake
- D. Provide a high-protein diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for seizures. During alcohol withdrawal, clients are at risk for seizures due to central nervous system hyperexcitability. Monitoring for seizures allows for prompt intervention if they occur. Administering disulfiram (A) is used to deter alcohol consumption, not for withdrawal. Restricting fluid intake (C) can worsen dehydration, while providing a high-protein diet (D) is not a priority during alcohol withdrawal.
A nurse is assessing a client who has opioid intoxication. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Pinpoint pupils
- B. Hyperreflexia
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Dilated pupils
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pinpoint pupils. Opioid intoxication causes miosis, resulting in constricted or pinpoint pupils. This occurs due to the suppression of the sympathetic nervous system. Hyperreflexia (B) is not typically associated with opioid intoxication; it is more common in conditions like spinal cord injury. Opioids depress the respiratory system, leading to decreased respiratory rate (C), not increased. Dilated pupils (D) are more indicative of stimulant intoxication, such as amphetamines.