Question

The physician orders lithium carbonate (Lithonate) for a client who's in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. During lithium therapy, the nurse should watch for which adverse reactions?

1. Weakness, tremor, and urine retention
2. Anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbance
3. Constipation, lethargy, and ataxia
4. Nausea, diarrhea, tremor, and lethargy

Answer 1

A nurse should monitor for nausea, diarrhea, tremor, lethargy, agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and muscular problems as adverse reactions in a patient taking lithium therapy for the manic phase of bipolar disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

When monitoring a client on lithium therapy for bipolar disorder, particularly during the manic phase, a nurse should watch for several potential adverse reactions. The most common include nausea, diarrhea, tremor, and lethargy. These adverse effects reflect the body's response to lithium carbonate, which can impact the gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and muscle coordination.

Additionally, patients may experience agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and various muscular problems. These symptoms can indicate that the lithium levels may be too high or that the individual's body is not tolerating the medication well, necessitating a dosage adjustment or closer monitoring.