Cardiovascular Pharmacology Drug Class Related

Review Cardiovascular Pharmacology Drug Class related questions and content

A patient who has received lithium for 3 weeks to control acute mania has the following symptoms: coarse hand tremor, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and mild confusion. The priority nursing action should be to:

  • A. Administer prn Cogentin to relieve the symptoms.
  • B. Provide reassurance that the symptoms are transient.
  • C. Obtain a stat lithium level; hold lithium pending results.
  • D. Assist the patient to decrease the sodium in their daily diet.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
1. The patient is showing signs of lithium toxicity, indicated by symptoms like tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and confusion.
2. Obtaining a stat lithium level is crucial to confirm toxicity levels.
3. Holding lithium pending results prevents further toxicity and guides appropriate treatment adjustments.
4. Administering Cogentin (A) may mask symptoms but does not address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity.
5. Providing reassurance (B) is important but not the priority when the patient is experiencing potential toxicity.
6. Assisting the patient to decrease sodium intake (D) is not the priority as it does not address the immediate need to manage lithium toxicity.