A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a hospitalized ...

[KimWrice]

A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a hospitalized patient who has been taking lithium (Lithobid) for 3 days. The patient is complaining of mild nausea and abdominal bloating.
 
  The patient's lithium level is 0.8 mEq/L. What will the nurse do?
  a. Administer the dose and tell the patient that the side effects are temporary.
  b. Contact the prescriber to request an order for serum electrolytes.
  c. Hold the dose and notify the prescriber of the patient's lithium level.
  d. Request an order for amiloride (Midamor).

Question 2

A patient with bipolar disorder has frequent manic episodes alternating with depressive episodes.
 
  The prescriber orders risperidone (Risperdal) in addition to the lithium (Lithobid) that the patient is already taking. The patient asks the nurse why another drug is needed. The nurse will tell the patient that the risperidone is used to:
  a. elevate mood during depressive episodes.
  b. help control symptoms during manic episodes.
  c. manage tremors associated with lithium use.
  d. prevent recurrence of depressive episodes.

[cdmart10]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
This patient is experiencing side effects that are common and that occur at therapeutic levels of the drug. The lithium level is therapeutic and not toxic, so the nurse should give the dose and reassure the patient that the side effects will diminish over time. In the presence of low sodium, lithium can accumulate to toxic doses; therefore, if the lithium level were elevated, evaluating serum electrolytes would be advisable. The dose does not need to be withheld, because the patient does not have toxic levels of lithium. Amiloride is used if patients are experiencing lithium-induced polyuria, which this patient does not have.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Risperidone is an antipsychotic often used in conjunction with lithium to help manage symptoms during manic episodes, regardless of whether psychotic symptoms occur. Risperidone does not elevate mood and is not used during depressive episodes. It is not used to counter side effects associated with lithium. It does not prevent recurrence of depressive episodes.

[KimWrice]

Thank you!

[cdmart10]

Always glad to help...