A client receiving lithium (Eskalith) for bipolar disorder would ...

[jlmhmf]

A client receiving lithium (Eskalith) for bipolar disorder would be at risk for increased lithium toxicity if it were prescribed with which other medication?
 
  1. Potassium citrate
  2. There are no drug interactions with lithium (Eskalith).
  3. Diuretics
  4. Sodium bicarbonate

Question 2

A client is taking Saint John's wort and an SSRI. The nurse observes the client for which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
 
  Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
 
  1. Mania
  2. Confusion
  3. Renal failure
  4. Tachycardia
  5. Hypertension

[jliusyl]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: Potassium citrate increases the rate of removal of lithium.
Rationale 2: There are many different medications that interact with lithium.
Rationale 3: Diuretics cause an increase in the excretion of sodium and increase the risk for toxicity.
Rationale 4: Sodium bicarbonate increases the rate of removal of lithium.

Global Rationale: Diuretics cause an increase in the excretion of sodium and increase the risk for toxicity. Potassium citrate increases the rate of removal of lithium. Diuretics cause an increase in the excretion of sodium and increase the risk for toxicity. Sodium bicarbonate increases the rate of removal of lithium.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5

Rationale 1: Mania is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI.
Rationale 2: Confusion is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI.
Rationale 3: Renal failure is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI.
Rationale 4: Tachycardia is incorrect because this combination does not affect heart rate.
Rationale 5: Hypotension is incorrect because this combination would cause hypertension.

Global Rationale: Mania is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI. Confusion is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI. Renal failure is a sign of serotonin syndrome, which can occur when Saint John's wort is taken with an SSRI. Tachycardia is incorrect because this combination does not affect heart rate. Hypotension is incorrect because this combination would cause hypertension.

[jlmhmf]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[amcvicar]

Gracias!