Lithium Toxicity Flashcards
History
focussed history using a systematic approach, using appropriate language, elicits relevant history of past experience with lithium including side-effects, toxicity, adherence, medical history and symptoms evident of relevant side effects (e.g. concomitant medications such as diuretics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs interacting with lithium; and especially renal, cardiac and thyroid symptoms and conditions; periods of dehydration), any errors or omissions to be minor, and not materially adversely impact on the obtained content; other aspects of renal function may include family history.
Management
interprets lithium and creatinine results correctly; recognises the importance of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus as a common outcome; consider advice from renal physician; addresses continuing/reducing versus stopping lithium and use of alternative mood stabiliser; arranges appropriate follow up and ongoing monitoring. May mention blood pressure measurement and urinalysis.
