One week ago, a 21-year-old client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder was started on lithium 300 mg po qid. A lithium level is ordered. The client's level is 1.3 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that…

The correct answer is A. Within therapeutic range. (A) This answer is correct. The therapeutic range is 1.0-1.5 mEq/L in the acute phase. Maintenance control levels are 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. (B, C) This answer is incorrect. A level of 1.3 mEq/L is within therapeutic range. (D) This answer is incorrect. Toxic poisoning is usually at…

Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Question

One week ago, a 21-year-old client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder was started on lithium 300 mg po qid. A lithium level is ordered. The client's level is 1.3 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that this level is considered to be:

Options

AWithin therapeutic range
BBelow therapeutic range
CAbove therapeutic range
DAt a level of toxic poisoning

How the community answered

(28 responses)

A
86% (24)
B
11% (3)
D
4% (1)

Explanation

(A) This answer is correct. The therapeutic range is 1.0-1.5 mEq/L in the acute phase. Maintenance control levels are 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. (B, C) This answer is incorrect. A level of 1.3 mEq/L is within therapeutic range. (D) This answer is incorrect. Toxic poisoning is usually at the 2.0 level or higher.

Topics

#lithium therapy#therapeutic drug levels#bipolar disorder#medication monitoring

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