for a patient on lithium therapy which dietary recommendation is essential

ATI RN

ATI RN Custom Exams Set 1

1. For a patient on lithium therapy, which dietary recommendation is essential?

A. Increase caffeine intake
B. Increase sodium intake
C. Increase protein intake
D. Increase fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase sodium intake. For patients on lithium therapy, maintaining consistent sodium intake is crucial to avoid fluctuations in drug levels. Increasing caffeine intake (choice A) is not recommended as it can interfere with lithium levels. While protein intake (choice C) is important for overall health, it is not specifically essential for patients on lithium therapy. Similarly, increasing fiber intake (choice D) is beneficial but not a primary concern for patients on lithium therapy.

2. When does short-bowel syndrome usually occur?

A. The longitudinal muscles of the intestine contract
B. More than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed
C. More than 50% of the large intestine is surgically removed
D. Transit time is decreased due to infection or drugs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Short-bowel syndrome typically occurs when more than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed. This condition leads to malabsorption issues due to the reduced length of the intestine for absorption. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because short-bowel syndrome specifically relates to the insufficient length of the small intestine, not the contraction of longitudinal muscles, surgical removal of the large intestine, or decreased transit time due to infection or drugs.

3. The client is diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis. Which treatment/procedure would the nurse prepare the client to receive?

A. Bone marrow transplant
B. Splenectomy
C. Frequent blood transfusions
D. Liver biopsy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Splenectomy. Splenectomy is the treatment of choice for hereditary spherocytosis as it helps prevent hemolysis and improve anemia. Removing the spleen reduces the destruction of the abnormal red blood cells. Choice A, Bone marrow transplant, is not a standard treatment for hereditary spherocytosis. Choice C, Frequent blood transfusions, may be used to manage anemia in some cases but is not the primary treatment for hereditary spherocytosis. Choice D, Liver biopsy, is not a treatment for hereditary spherocytosis; it is a procedure used to diagnose liver conditions, not related to this hematologic disorder.

4. A client is admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of a right-sided brain attack (CVA). The client is right-handed. Which task will be most difficult for this client?

A. Eating meals
B. Writing letters
C. Combing the hair
D. Dressing every morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Writing letters. Writing requires fine motor skills, which are often impaired in a right-handed person with a right-sided CVA. Eating meals (choice A), combing the hair (choice C), and dressing every morning (choice D) involve gross motor skills and may not be as challenging for a right-handed individual with a right-sided CVA compared to the fine motor skill required for writing.

5. Six hours after major abdominal surgery, a male client complains of severe abdominal pain; is pale and perspiring; has a thready, rapid pulse; and states he feels faint. The nurse checks the client’s medication administration record and determines that the client receives another injection of pain medication in an hour. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

A. Explain to the client that it is too early to have an injection for pain
B. Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders
C. Reposition the client for greater comfort and turn on the television as a distraction
D. Prepare the injection and administer it to the client early because of the severe pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is option B: Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders. The client is displaying symptoms that indicate potential complications, such as internal bleeding, which require immediate medical evaluation. Option A is incorrect because the client's condition suggests a more urgent need for assessment. Option C is inappropriate as it does not address the seriousness of the client's symptoms. Option D is dangerous and could exacerbate any underlying issue the client may be experiencing.