A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who has taken lithium ...

[Chloeellawright]

A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who has taken lithium carbonate (Lithane) for 1 year, presents in an emergency department with severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus. How should the nurse interpret these symptoms?
 
  A. Symptoms indicate consumption of foods high in tyramine.
  B. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate discontinuation syndrome.
  C. Symptoms indicate the development of lithium carbonate tolerance.
  D. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity.

Question 2

A nursing instructor is teaching about the prevalence of bipolar disorder. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
 
  A. This disorder is more prevalent in the lower socioeconomic groups.
  B. This disorder is more prevalent in the higher socioeconomic groups.
  C. This disorder is equally prevalent in all socioeconomic groups.
  D. This disorder's prevalence cannot be evaluated on the basis of socioeconomic groups.

[hanadaa]

Answer to Question 1

D
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 during maintenance therapy to ensure proper dosage.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nursing student is accurate when stating that bipolar disorder is more prevalent in higher socioeconomic groups. Theories consider both hereditary and environmental factors in the etiology of bipolar disorder.

[Chloeellawright]

Thank you

[hanadaa]

No problemo