Author Question: Which statement by the patient would indicate the need for additional education regard-ing the ... (Read 18 times)

CORALGRILL2014 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which statement by the patient would indicate the need for additional education regard-ing the prescribed lithium treatment regimen?

a. I will restrict my daily salt intake.
b. I will take my medications with food.
c. I will have my blood drawn on schedule.
d. I will drink 8 to 12 glasses of liquids daily.

Question 2

The nurse would evaluate that patient education regarding lithium therapy for an indi-vidual with bipolar disorder as effective if the patient states:

a. I can stop my lithium when I feel better.
b. I can continue with my diuretic and cardiac medications.
c. I will probably need to take the lithium for the rest of my life.
d. I will taper my lithium when a therapeutic serum level is achieved.

vboyd24 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Patients taking lithium must maintain a normal sodium intake or risk symptoms of lithium toxicity. The patient should have 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily. Taking lithium with food mini-mizes gastrointestinal side effects. Regular monitoring of lithium levels is important to pre-vent toxicity.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Most patients with bipolar disorder require long-term maintenance on lithium or other anti-manic medication. Patients should never stop medication without consulting the physician. When a therapeutic level is achieved, the patient will continue on maintenance doses of lith-ium. Diuretics are contraindicated for the patient on lithium.