A newly diagnosed patient is prescribed lithium. Which information from the patient's history indicates that monitoring of serum concentrations of the drug will be challenging and critical?
Arthritis
Heart failure
Psoriasis
Epilepsy
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Arthritis does not typically affect lithium metabolism or clearance.
B. Heart failure can impair renal function and fluid balance, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity and making serum concentration monitoring critical.
C. Psoriasis does not interfere with lithium pharmacokinetics.
D. Epilepsy is not directly related to lithium metabolism, though caution is warranted if the patient is on other medications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Suggesting it is unusual for the provider to continue lithium could undermine trust in the treatment plan and is inaccurate.
B. Lithium is typically continued long-term or indefinitely to prevent relapse, not just for 6 months.
C. Continuing daily lithium helps maintain mood stability and significantly reduces the risk of relapse in bipolar disorder, even when the patient feels well.
D. Stopping lithium after only 1 month of stability greatly increases the likelihood of recurrence of manic or depressive episodes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Lemonade may mask the taste of lithium but does not significantly reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
B. Taking lithium with meals helps buffer the stomach lining, reducing nausea and other GI side effects.
C. A large glass of juice may dilute the medication but does not provide the same protective effect as food.
D. An antacid may help with indigestion, but it is not the primary recommendation for preventing nausea from lithium; additionally, some antacids can alter lithium absorption.
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