Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

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Tatiana has been hospitalized for an acute manic episode. On admission, the nurse suspects lithium toxicity. What assessment findings would indicate the nurse's suspicion as correct?

  • A. Shortness of breath, gastrointestinal distress, chronic cough
  • B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, large volume of dilute urine
  • C. Gastrointestinal distress, thirst, nystagmus
  • D. Electroencephalographic changes, chest pain, dizziness
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ataxia, severe hypotension, and a large volume of dilute urine are classic signs of lithium toxicity. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination, severe hypotension indicates dangerously low blood pressure, and the large volume of dilute urine is a result of the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine properly, a common feature of lithium toxicity.