Author Question: The nurse scheduling the blood draw for serum lithium level should arrange to have it performed: ... (Read 97 times)

cool · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse scheduling the blood draw for serum lithium level should arrange to have it performed:

1. At bedtime
2. Any hour during the day
3. One hour after the morning dose
4. Before the morning dose

Question 2

A client's serum lithium level is reported as 1.9 mEq/L. The nurse should immediately:

1. Restrict sodium and fluid intake
2. Assess for signs and symptoms of toxicity
3. Seek to have the client transferred to ICU
4. Notify the client's physician

Brenm · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 4
Lithium levels should be drawn 8-12 hours after the last dose, making an early morning sample appropriate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 2
A serum lithium level this high suggests that the client may be experiencing symptoms of lithium toxicity. Clinical assessment is essential to determine what, if any, signs and symptoms are pre-sent. After the clinical assessment has been made, the nurse can provide the physician with a complete picture. Options 1 and 3 are inappropriate. Option 1 would raise the level. Transfer (op-tion 3) requires physician orders.