A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been taking lithium ...

[arivle123]

A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for one year. The client presents in an emergency department with a temperature of 101?F (38?C), severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus.
 
  How should the nurse interpret these symptoms? 1. Symptoms indicate consumption of foods high in tyramine.
  2. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate discontinuation syndrome.
  3. Symptoms indicate the development of lithium carbonate tolerance.
  4. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity.

Question 2

Which part of the nervous system should a nurse identify as playing a major role during stressful situations?
 
  1. Peripheral nervous system 2. Somatic nervous system 3. Sympathetic nervous system 4. Parasympathetic nervous system

[Alyson.hiatt@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: The nurse should interpret that the client's symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity. The initial signs of toxicity include ataxia, blurred vision, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. Lithium levels should be monitored monthly with maintenance therapy to ensure proper dosage.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: The nurse should identify that the sympathetic nervous system plays a major role during stressful situations. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is dominant when an individual is in a nonstressful state.