The patient is receiving lithium (Eskalith) and asks the nurse ...

[TFauchery]

The patient is receiving lithium (Eskalith) and asks the nurse why he has to have blood drawn so often. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. To detect side effects before they become a problem.
  2. To be sure the medication is working properly.
  3. To determine if your body is responding as it should.
  4. To be sure you have the correct amount of medication in your system.

Question 2

The patient is complaining of a severe headache. The physician orders aspirin. Which action by the nurse will result in the fastest relief of the patient's headache?
 
  1. Administer the aspirin with an alkaline food, like cottage cheese.
  2. Administer the aspirin in an enteric-coated formulation.
  3. Administer the aspirin with a high-fat food, like peanut butter.
  4. Administer the aspirin on an empty stomach.

[polinasid]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Medications, such as lithium (Eskalith), with a narrow therapeutic range must be monitored with lab tests; this is how the correct dosage is determined. A lab test will not confirm that the medication is working properly; assessment of the patient confirms this. Body response to the medication is best determined by patient assessment. Side effects are best determined by patient assessment.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Acids such as aspirin are best absorbed in the acidic environment of the stomach, so the aspirin should be administered on an empty stomach. Administering the aspirin in an enteric-coated formulation will lessen gastrointestinal irritation, but will increase the time for the drug's effect. Peanut butter and cottage cheese will slow absorption and increase the time for the drug's effect.

[TFauchery]

Excellent

[ktidd]

Great answer, keep it coming