A patient who has recently begun taking lithium (Lithibid) calls the clinic to report nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and drowsiness. What will the nurse do next?
a. Contact the provider to obtain an order for a serum lithium level.
b. Reassure the patient that these symptoms are common and transient.
c. Tell the patient that the lithium dose is probably too low.
d. Tell the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
ANS: A
Early symptoms of lithium toxicity include nausea and vomiting, anorexia, and drowsiness. The nurse should obtain an order for a lithium level to evaluate this. Patients should be encouraged to report these symptoms if they occur. Patients should never be counseled to stop the medication abruptly.
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