Psychiatric Drugs and Medications Q 3

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A client taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) started complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears. The lithium level is 2 mEq/L. The nurse interprets this value as:

  

     A. Normal level

     B. Toxic level

     C. Below normal level

     D. Above normal level

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Toxic level

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The therapeutic drug serum level of lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Toxicity can happen when the level of lithium reaches 1.5 mEq/L or higher.

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