Author Question: A client with bipolar disorder has a lithium drug concentration of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following ... (Read 80 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client with bipolar disorder has a lithium drug concentration of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.

A) Metallic taste
B) Ataxia
C) Diarrhea
D) Slurred speech
E) Fasciculations
F) Muscle weakness

Question 2

A client is brought to the emergency department by his brother. The client has a history of bipolar disorder, for which he is taking valproate. The brother reports that he watched the client take the medication about 2 hours ago.

He stated, A little while ago, he got very disoriented and agitated. The nurse suspects toxicity based on assessment of which of the following? Select all that apply.

A) Tachypnea
B) Bradycardia
C) Hypotension
D) Dizziness
E) Respiratory depression

dellikani2015 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A, C, F
Manifestations associated with a lithium concentration less than 1.5 mEq/L include a metallic taste in the mouth, diarrhea or loose stools, and muscular weakness or fatigue. Ataxia and slurred speech are associated with blood lithium concentration between 1.5 and 2.5 mEq/L. Fasciculations are associated with a lithium blood concentration over 2.5 mEq/L.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C, D, E
Both valproate and carbamazepine may be lethal if high doses are ingested. Toxic symptoms appear in 1 to 3 hours and include neuromuscular disturbances, dizziness, stupor, agitation, disorientation, nystagmus, urinary retention, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, hypotension or hypertension, cardiovascular shock, coma, and respiratory depression.