lithium

Question 1

list three drugs that can elevate lithium levels?

Answer 1

Remember Ant can lift heavy things.
A- ACE- inhibitors and ARBs
N- NSAIDs
T- Thiazide Diuretics

Question 2

which ion involved in the function of lithium? how?

Answer 2

magnesium

lithium inhibits proteins dependent on a specific metal ion

Question 3

what should be measured before you place a patient on lithium?

Answer 3

thyroid function (TSH)
kidney function

Question 4

what labs should be monitored during lithium therapy?

Answer 4

thyroid function
kidney function
lithium levels

Question 5

what is the therapeutic range for lithium?

Answer 5

0.5-1.2

Question 6

what lithium level results in toxicity?

Answer 6

greater than 1.5

Question 7

how do you treat lithium toxicity?

Answer 7

hold dose
administer IV normal saline
manage electrolyte levels

Question 8

signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity? (7)

Answer 8

fine to coarse hand tremor
unstable gait
hallucinations
slurred speech
muscle twitching
disorientation
coma

remember mental and motor, and mouth

Question 9

list two food that can alter lithium levels?

Answer 9

caffeine and salt

Question 10

how does caffeine affect lithium levels?

Answer 10

enhances renal eliminiation of lithium

Question 11

how does salt affect lithium levels?

Answer 11

extreme increases in salt can decrease lithium levels

extreme decreases in sale can increase lithium levels

Question 12

salt intake must remain ______ while on lithium

Answer 12

consistent

Question 13

changes in salt intake need happen when?

Answer 13

before the onset of lithium therapy

Question 14

what are adverse effects of lithium?

Answer 14

remember LITHIUM
L-lethargy
I-intention tremors 
T- Thyroid 
H - headache
I - Impairment of memory and motor 
U - Uremia/Upset stomach
M- Muscle weakness

Question 15

lithium does what to your weight?

Answer 15

weight gain is a common side effect

Question 16

if you are putting a patient at risk for what if you put a bipolar patient on antidepressants?

Answer 16

mania