A client who is taking lithium to control bipolar disorder should ...

[itsmyluck]

A client who is taking lithium to control bipolar disorder should understand the need to have which of these done monthly?
 
  a. complete blood count, bleeding time, and hepatic function studies
  b. lithium tolerance test
  c. serum lithium level
  d. 24-hour urine creatine clearance test

Question 2

The nurse uses the new Ballard score to estimate a newborn's gestational age. Which of the following characteristics would indicate that the infant is at 37 weeks' gestational age?
 
  a. a 30-degree square window of the wrist
  b. creases on two-thirds of the soles of the feet
  c. descended testes with few rugae present
  d. a soft pinna that stays folded

[thall411]

Answer to Question 1

C
Serum lithium level must be checked at scheduled intervals throughout therapy. Older adult clients may have a decreased renal function, which places them at greater risk for developing lithium toxicity. Once a client's level is stable, testing usually occurs monthly.

Answer to Question 2

B
The Ballard tool looks at external physical characteristics and neuromuscular maturity. During the first 12 hours of life, plantar creases are reliable signs of gestational age. Creases cover two-thirds of the sole by 37 weeks and cover the entire sole at 40 weeks' gestation.

[itsmyluck]

Excellent

[jomama]

TYSM