Lithium
Mood Stabilizer used for bipolar
1.takes 7-14 days to reach therapeutic levels
2.Antipsychotic or benzo can be used to prevent exhaustion, coronary collapse until lithium reaches therapeutic level
3.Tell patients to suck on hard candy for metallic taste
4.Theapeutic levels = 0.8-1.2
Maintenance=0.4-1.3
5.Toxicity is diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating
6.Hyponatremia makes it easier to develop toxicity
more in depth lithium toxicity
levels of 1.3-1.5 = fine hand tremors, n/v, diarrhea, confusion, slurred speech, ataxia, thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness
Levels 1.6-2.0 = course hand tremors, muscle hyperirritability, sedation
Levels higher then 2.0 Require gastric lavage
Coma, Blurred vision, hypotension,
nursing interventions lithium
Digoxin
high potassium foods
2. potaatoes
Phenelzine