A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder asks the nurse, "Why can't I take my lithium just once a day at bedtime? It's hard to remember to take it three times." The nurse's reply should be based on what information?
a. The half-life of lithium is short.
b. Renal excretion is greater at night.
c. GI absorption is diminished at night.
d. The toxicity potential increases with once-a-day dosing.
A
Lithium has a short half-life, high toxicity, and rapid renal excretion, so multiple daily doses are required. The other statements are incorrect or are not factors considered in dosing.
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A client is to receive pharmacological intervention for anxiety on a long-term basis. Which of these medicines should be tried FIRST because of its lack of addiction potential?
a. lorazepam (Ativan) c. clonazepam (Klonopin) b. buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) d. diazepam (Valium)
The nurse is talking with a client who was stung by a bee and began having difficulty breathing. What serious complication from injected venom should the nurse discuss with the client?
A) Hives B) Itching C) Airway obstruction D) Diarrhea
The nurse in the medical ICU is caring for a patient who is in respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation. What diagnosis could the patient have that could cause inadequate ventilation?
A) Insomnia B) Multiple myloma C) Guillain-Barré syndrome D) Overdose of amphetamines
A new mother expresses fear to the nurse about changing her baby's diaper after he is circumcised. What information does this mother need to safely take care of the baby when she gets home?
a. Cleanse the penis gently with water and put petroleum jelly around the glans after each diaper change. b. Cleanse the penis with prepackaged diaper wipes every 3 to 4 hours. c. Wash off the yellow exudate that forms on the glans at least once every day to prevent infection. d. Put constant pressure on the penis, if bleeding is noted, and check the site again in 2 hours.