a nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for lithium carbonate when teaching the client about ways to prevent lithium toxicity the n

ATI RN

ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam

1. A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, what advice should the nurse provide?

A. Avoid using acetaminophen for headaches.
B. Restrict intake of foods high in sodium.
C. Decrease fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily.
D. Limit aerobic activity in hot weather.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather to prevent sodium/water depletion, which can increase the risk for Lithium toxicity. Excessive sweating and fluid loss can lead to dehydration and changes in lithium levels, potentially resulting in toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting sodium intake and decreasing fluid intake can lead to increased lithium levels and toxicity, so these are not recommended actions.

2. A client is receiving Gentamicin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to assess for nephrotoxicity?

A. Serum sodium.
B. Serum creatinine.
C. Serum potassium.
D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is receiving Gentamicin, the nurse should monitor serum creatinine levels to assess for nephrotoxicity. Gentamicin is known to potentially cause nephrotoxicity, leading to impaired kidney function. Monitoring serum creatinine levels helps in early detection of any kidney damage or dysfunction. Serum sodium, serum potassium, and serum glucose levels are not directly related to nephrotoxicity caused by Gentamicin, so they are not the appropriate values to monitor in this case.

3. What information should you provide to your patient if they are taking sennosides? Select All That Apply.

A. Sennosides should be used for short-term therapy
B. The medication does not cure hypothyroidism
C. The color of the urine may change to pink, red, violet, yellow, or brown
D. Make sure to use other forms of bowel regulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a patient taking sennosides, it is important to emphasize that these laxatives should be used for short-term therapy only. The medication does not address hypothyroidism, so this information is not relevant. Patients should be informed that the color of their urine may change to various colors like pink, red, violet, yellow, or brown, which is a common side effect of sennosides. It is advisable to incorporate other forms of bowel regulation alongside sennosides for optimal bowel health. Choice A is correct as it provides essential guidance on the duration of sennosides use. Choice B is incorrect because sennosides are not used to cure hypothyroidism. Choice C is correct as it highlights a common side effect of sennosides. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to sennosides but rather suggests using other forms of bowel regulation in general.

4. What is the primary action of warfarin as an anticoagulant?

A. Prevents the formation of blood clots
B. Dissolves existing blood clots
C. Dilates coronary arteries
D. Treats rhythm disturbances

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Prevents the formation of blood clots." Warfarin acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. This action reduces the blood's ability to clot, making it effective in preventing the formation of blood clots. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin does not dissolve existing blood clots; it prevents their formation. Choice C is incorrect because warfarin's primary action is not to dilate coronary arteries. Choice D is incorrect as warfarin is not used to treat rhythm disturbances, but rather to prevent clot formation.

5. Which of the following is classified as a class IA Sodium Channel blocker?

A. Quinidine
B. Disopyramide
C. Aminodarone
D. Propafenone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Quinidine is classified as a class IA sodium channel blocker. Class IA antiarrhythmics, like quinidine, work by blocking sodium channels and delaying repolarization. Propafenone, mentioned in the original rationale, is actually a class IC antiarrhythmic agent, not a class IA sodium channel blocker.