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Mood Stabilizers
Mood Stabilizers ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for bipolar disorder. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication?
Choice A is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypertension (high blood pressure). In fact, it may lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.
Choice B is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypotension (low blood pressure) by itself. However, it may enhance the effects of other drugs that lower blood pressure, such as diuretics or antihypertensives.
Choice C is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypernatremia (high level of sodium in the blood). On the contrary, it can cause sodium loss through increased urination and thirst. Hypernatremia can cause symptoms such as dehydration, irritability, and seizures.
Lithium carbonate can cause a range of side effects, including increased urination, mild thirst, and electrolyte imbalances. These effects can lead to hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia can cause symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Lithium carbonate can cause a range of side effects, including increased urination, mild thirst, and electrolyte imbalances. These effects can lead to hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia can cause symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and muscle cramps.
Choice A is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypertension (high blood pressure). In fact, it may lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the renin-angiotensin system.
Choice B is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypotension (low blood pressure) by itself. However, it may enhance the effects of other drugs that lower blood pressure, such as diuretics or antihypertensives.
Choice C is wrong because lithium carbonate does not cause hypernatremia (high level of sodium in the blood). On the contrary, it can cause sodium loss through increased urination and thirst. Hypernatremia can cause symptoms such as dehydration, irritability, and seizures.