What is the primary reason for monitoring lithium levels every two to three days until a therapeutic level is obtained?
To prevent symptoms of toxicity
To identify early signs and symptoms of relapse
To establish baseline liver function tests
To ensure the client is within the therapeutic range
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Frequent monitoring allows for early detection of rising lithium levels, preventing toxicity.
B. While monitoring lithium levels is important for overall treatment, it's not primarily used to identify relapse.
C. Lithium primarily affects the kidneys, not the liver. Liver function tests are important for overall health monitoring but are not the primary reason for frequent lithium level checks.
D. While this is a goal, the primary reason for such frequent monitoring is to prevent toxicity, which can occur rapidly.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Patients on lithium do not need to avoid aged cheese and red wine specifically. The main dietary advice is to avoid significant changes in salt intake rather than specific foods like aged cheese or red wine.
B. Skin eruptions are not a common concern specifically linked to lithium therapy. While monitoring for side effects is important, skin changes are not typically a primary focus in lithium management.
C. Lithium use is not directly associated with routine blood pressure monitoring unless there is a specific concern about blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues. While monitoring blood pressure is important for overall health, it is not a specific requirement for patients on lithium unless there are other related concerns.
D. Monitoring blood levels of lithium is essential for managing the risk of toxicity and ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and regular blood tests are necessary to adjust dosages and avoid side effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While social factors can influence depression, they don't primarily focus on learning as the root cause.
B. Behavioral theories suggest that depression is learned through conditioning and reinforcement. This includes concepts like learned helplessness and operant conditioning.
C. These theories focus on physiological factors like neurotransmitters and genetics as the primary causes of depression.
D. These theories emphasize unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences as the basis for depression.
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