A patient taking lithium for bipolar disorder develops persistent diarrhoea, coarse hand tremor and unsteady walking. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Correct answer: B. Withhold lithium and notify the prescriber
- A. Give the next dose with extra water
- B. Withhold lithium and notify the prescriber
- C. Administer an additional sedative medicine
- D. Encourage a low-sodium diet immediately
Explanation
These findings suggest lithium toxicity, which can worsen as diarrhoea and dehydration increase lithium concentration. The nurse should withhold the medicine and notify the prescriber for urgent assessment and serum lithium testing. A low-sodium diet can further increase lithium retention.
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About Analgesics and CNS Drugs
This area covers opioid and non-opioid analgesics, local anaesthetics, sedatives, anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and drugs for Parkinsonism. It examines therapeutic actions, dependence, respiratory depression, extrapyramidal effects, serotonin related toxicity and the distinction between pain relief, sedation and loss of consciousness.
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