On morning rounds, the nurse found a manic-depressive client who is taking lithium in a confused mental state, vomiting, twitching, and exhibiting a coarse hand tremor. Which one of the following…

Question

Options

• AAdminister her next dosage of lithium, and then call the physician.
• BWithhold her lithium, and report her symptoms to the physician.
• CPlace her on NPO to decrease the excretion of lithium from her body, and call the physician.
• DContact the lab and request a lithium level in 30 minutes, and call the physician.

• A
  10% (3)
• B
  83% (25)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) The client has lithium toxicity, and the nurse must withhold further dosages. (B) Because of her level of toxicity, further lithium could cause coma and death. The nurse needs further orders from the physician to stabilize the client's lithium level. (C) Ensuring adequate intake of sodium chloride will promote excretion of lithium and will assist in managing the client's lithiumtoxicity. (D) A lithium blood level must be drawn immediately to determine the seriousness of the toxicity and to provide the physician with data for medical orders.

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