Author Question: The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lithium (Lithibid) to a patient who has been taking ... (Read 78 times)

Lisaclaire · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lithium (Lithibid) to a patient who has been taking the drug as maintenance therapy to treat bipolar disorder. The nurse assesses the patient and notes tremors and confusion.

The patient's latest serum lithium level was 2 mEq/L. Which action will the nurse take?
a. Administer the dose.
b. Hold the dose and notify the provider.
c. Request an order for a higher dose.
d. Request an order for a lower dose.

Question 2

A patient who has recently begun taking lithium (Lithibid) calls the clinic to report nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and drowsiness. What will the nurse do next?

a. Contact the provider to obtain an order for a serum lithium level.
b. Reassure the patient that these symptoms are common and transient.
c. Tell the patient that the lithium dose is probably too low.
d. Tell the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.

Dinolord · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The patient has symptoms of lithium toxicity, and the serum drug level is in toxic range. The nurse should hold the dose and notify the provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Early symptoms of lithium toxicity include nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and drowsiness. The nurse should obtain an order for a lithium level to evaluate this. Patients should be encouraged to report these symptoms if they occur. Patients should never be counseled to stop the medication abruptly.