The nurse receives a laboratory report indicating a patient's serum level is 1 mEq/L. The patient's last dose of lithium was 8 hours ago. This result is:
a. within therapeutic limits.
b. below therapeutic limits.
c. above therapeutic limits.
d. invalid because of the time lapse since the last dose.
ANS: A
Normal range for a blood sample taken 8 to 12 hours after the last dose of lithium is 0.4 to 1 mEq/L.
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A nurse who leads group therapy for a group of depressed patients plans to implement a plan of exercise for each patient. The rationale to use when presenting this plan to the treatment team is that exercise:
a. has an antidepressant effect comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. b. prevents damage from overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. c. improves circulation and oxygenation to the brain and other organs. d. detoxifies the body by ridding it of metabolic wastes and other toxins.
A nursing assessment is a process of collecting data to establish a database. The information contained in the database is the basis for:
a. a complete physical examination. b. a medical assessment. c. an individualized plan of care. d. writing nursing orders.
A patient with exophthalmos is distressed about her appearance and asks when it will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?
a. It is not reversible. b. It can be disguised with sunglasses and makeup. c. It usually subsides after medication for hyperthyroidism is started. d. It can be minimized with plastic surgery to the eyelids.
The nurse auscultating heart sounds notes that a client has an opening snap and a low-pitched, rumbling murmur over the apex. This assessment would indicate
a. aortic stenosis. b. mitral stenosis. c. pulmonic prolapse. d. tricuspid regurgitation.