What is the therapeutic range of Lithium (Eskalith)?
0.6-1.5
0.1-0.5
0.2-0.5
0.4-1.6
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: The therapeutic range of lithium is generally considered to be 0.6-1.5 mEq/L. However, some patients may require higher or lower levels depending on their individual response to the medication and their clinical condition. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range hence the blood level of the drug should be closely monitored to minimize the risk of toxicity and sub-therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale: 0.1-0.5 is too low hence the drug will provide sub-optimal effects thus providing inadequate mood stabilization.
Choice C rationale: 0.2-0.5 is too low hence the drug will provide sub-optimal effects thus providing inadequate mood stabilization.
Choice D rationale: 0.4-1.6 the lower limit is too low and may result in sub-therapeutic effects while the upper limit is too high and increases the risk of lithium toxicity which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and death in severe cases.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: fats are directly related to lithium therapy and does not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
Choice B rationale: proteins do not affect the blood levels of lithium hence they do not require any special monitoring during the drug’s intake.
Choice C rationale: Lithium is a salt that can affect the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and competes with sodium for their reabsorption in the kidneys.
Therefore, if the client consumes too much or too little sodium, it can alter the level of lithium in the blood and cause toxicity or ineffectiveness hence the need for close monitoring.
Choice D rationale: potassium does not affect the blood levels of lithium hence no special monitoring during intake is required.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication associated with agranulocytosis which is a condition where the bone marrow does not provide enough white blood cells. This increases an individual’s risk of infections. Therefore, frequent blood tests should be performed on an individual taking this medication to monitor the WBC count and stop the medication if need be.
Choice B rationale: clozapine is not associated with a low hemoglobin level. Anemia may be caused by conditions such as iron deficiency, chronic conditions such as chronic kidney disease, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Choice C rationale: An increase in white blood cell count is not a side effect of clozapine but can be caused by infections. Clozapine causes low white blood cell count.
Choice D rationale: blood in urine is not a side effect of clozapine but can be caused by the use of medications such as cyclophosphamide.
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