Lithium Flashcards
1
Q
What are the normal ranges? & what is considered a toxic range?
A
- 0.8-1.2 mEq/L
- Above 2
2
Q
What will salt and caffeine do to lithium levels?
A
-When less salt and caffeine is consumed lithium levels can rise
3
Q
What does lithium do?
A
- Stabilise moods
- Decreased lithium will cause mood swings
4
Q
What is lithium toxicity?
A
- Too much lithium in the body
- Dehydration will exacerbate lithium toxicity
5
Q
What are the mild to moderate symptoms of lithium toxicity?
A
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Uncontrollable movements
- Muscle weakness
6
Q
What are the severe symptoms of lithium toxicity?
A
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Slurred speech
- Rapid heart rate
- Decreased blood pressure
- Coma
- Delirium
- Death
7
Q
What is the treatment for moderate/severe lithium toxicity?
A
- Stomach pumping (if taken within the last hour)
- Whole bowel irrigation
- IV Fluids (restore electrolytes)
- Haemodyalisis
- Medication (anticonvulsant, if having seizures)
- Vital sign monitoring
