A newly diagnosed patient is prescribed lithium. Which ...

[mspears3]

A newly diagnosed patient is prescribed lithium. Which information from the patient's history indicates that monitoring of serum concentrations of the drug will be challenging and critical?
 
  a. Arthritis
  b. Epilepsy
  c. Psoriasis
  d. Heart failure

Question 2

Four new patients were admitted to the behavioral health unit in the past 12 hours. The nurse directs a psychiatric technician to monitor these patients for safety. Which patient will need the most watchful supervision? A patient diagnosed with:
 
  a. bipolar I disorder.
  b. bipolar II disorder.
  c. dysthymic disorder
  d. cyclothymic disorder.

[akemokai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The patient with congestive heart failure will likely need diuretic drugs, which will complicate the maintenance of the fluid balance necessary to avoid lithium toxicity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Bipolar I is a mood disorder characterized by excessive activity and energy. Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and dramatically disturbed thoughts) may occur during manic episodes. A patient with bipolar I disorder is more unstable than a patient diagnosed with bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, or dysthymic disorder.