A patient who is taking prescribed lithium carbonate is exhibiting signs of diarrhea, blurred vision, frequent urination, and an unsteady gait. Which serum lithium level would the nurse expect for this patient?
a. 0 to 0.5 mEq/L
b. 0.6 to 0.9 mEq/L
c. 1.0 to 1.4 mEq/L
d. 1.5 or higher mEq/L
ANS: D
Diarrhea, blurred vision, ataxia, and polyuria are all signs of lithium toxicity, which generally occurs at serum levels above 1.5 mEq/L. Serum levels within the normal range of 0.8 to 1.4 mEq/L are not likely to cause signs of toxicity.
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