A nurse is preparing to teach a client about his prescription of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea.”.
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach.”.
"You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication.”.
"You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea is not a specific reason to stop lithium. However, severe diarrhea can affect lithium levels and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Lithium does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. It can be taken with or without food.
Choice C rationale:
A low-salt diet is not recommended while on lithium. In fact, a consistent, normal sodium intake is important because low sodium levels can cause lithium levels to become too high.
Choice D rationale:
Regular blood tests are necessary when taking lithium to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Weekly blood tests may be required during the first month of treatment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic level for initial treatment (0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L)3.
Choice B rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above, not below, the therapeutic treatment level.
Choice C rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is at the toxic level. A blood lithium level greater than 1.5 mEq/L indicates toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is not within the maintenance treatment level (0.4 to 1.3 mEq/L)3.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Twisting tongue movements are a common symptom of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications like fluphenazine.
Choice B rationale:
Shuffling gait is more commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease and certain antipsychotic medications can cause Parkinson-like symptoms, but it is not a characteristic of TD2.
Choice C rationale:
Sudden onset of high fever is not associated with TD. It could be a sign of a serious condition like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Constant tapping of feet when sitting could be a sign of restlessness or akathisia, another potential side effect of antipsychotic medications, but it is not a specific sign of TD2.
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