Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the morning laboratory report for a client who has bipolar disorder and recently started taking lithium. The client's current lithium level is 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Administer the regular dose of lithium.
Rationale:
💠 A lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range for maintenance therapy in clients with bipolar disorder. The therapeutic range is typically 0.6–1.2 mEq/L, though some providers may allow up to 1.5 mEq/L in acute manic episodes.
💠 Since the level is safe and not indicative of toxicity, the nurse should continue administering the prescribed dose and monitor for symptoms of toxicity (e.g., tremors, confusion, nausea).
💠 No immediate intervention is required unless the client develops clinical signs of lithium toxicity, in which case reassessment and lab confirmation are needed.
💠 Routine monitoring is essential because lithium has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small changes in dose or renal function can lead to toxicity.
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This question is from ATI LPN Pharmacology N113 Exam which contains 30 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4