A patient, diagnosed with depression, is being treated with lithium. The nurse assesses the patient's serum lithium level and it is 2.4 mEq/L, What should the nurse do next?
a. Do nothing. This is a therapeutic level.
b. The serum level is stable, but the level should be monitored.
c. Notify the physician. The patient may be at risk for lithium toxicity.
d. Repeat the serum lab test.
ANS: C
The therapeutic serum level of lithium is 1-1.5 mEq/L. The patient is at risk for lithium toxicity and the physician should be notified.
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