RN HESI Mental Health with NGN
RN HESI Mental Health with NGN ( 51 Questions)
The healthcare provider prescribes lithium carbonate for a client diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression. It is most important for the nurse to review which laboratory finding prior to beginning the drug therapy?
Alkaline phosphatase is not typically associated with the monitoring of lithium therapy. The primary concern is renal function.
Blood glucose is not the most critical parameter to monitor before initiating lithium therapy. The focus is on renal function.
White blood count is not the primary laboratory value to assess before starting lithium. Renal function is more critical.
Serum creatinine is the most important laboratory finding to review before beginning lithium therapy. Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can lead to lithium toxicity. Regular monitoring of renal function, including serum creatinine levels, is crucial to prevent adverse effects.
Choice A rationale: Alkaline phosphatase is not typically associated with the monitoring of lithium therapy. The primary concern is renal function.
Choice B rationale: Blood glucose is not the most critical parameter to monitor before initiating lithium therapy. The focus is on renal function.
Choice C rationale: White blood count is not the primary laboratory value to assess before starting lithium. Renal function is more critical.
Choice D rationale: Serum creatinine is the most important laboratory finding to review before beginning lithium therapy. Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can lead to lithium toxicity. Regular monitoring of renal function, including serum creatinine levels, is crucial to prevent adverse effects.