A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for one year. The client presents in an emergency department with a temperature of 101?F (38?C), severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus

How should the nurse interpret these symptoms? 1. Symptoms indicate consumption of foods high in tyramine.
2. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate discontinuation syndrome.
3. Symptoms indicate the development of lithium carbonate tolerance.
4. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity.


4
Rationale: The nurse should interpret that the client's symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity. The initial signs of toxicity include ataxia, blurred vision, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. Lithium levels should be monitored monthly with maintenance therapy to ensure proper dosage.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The nurse is teaching a patient skin care to prevent cancer. Which of the following instructions would be appropriate regarding time of day to avoid the sun?

a. 7 to 9 a.m. b. 9 to 10 a.m. c. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. d. 2 to 4 p.m.

Nursing

A client diagnosed with agoraphobia associated with panic disorder has been scared to leave her home for 3 months, unable to go to the grocery store. In reviewing the care plan, the nurse would expect to find which goal for this client?

A) Control her symptoms. B) Function effectively within the environment. C) Participate in psychotherapy. D) Perform self-care activities.

Nursing

Which finding suggests a minor structural variation?

a. Barrel chest b. Clubbed fingers c. Pectus carinatum d. Chest wall retractions

Nursing

As a community health nurse assisting the client and family with nutritional needs the nurse should first:

1. Identify for the client the best foods to buy 2. Purchase foods at the lowest cost for the client 3. Ask the client and family what they think they should eat 4. Provide information on stores with the most reasonable pricing

Nursing