Question

A 22-year-old patient has been taking lithium for 6 months. She comes in for blood work every month, and the nurse assesses her for signs of toxicity. What are indications of toxicity?

Select one:
a. Serum lithium level 0.8 mEq/L and excitability
b. Serum lithium level 1.0 mEq/L and a bounding heart beat
c. Serum lithium level 1.5 mEq/L and high blood pressure
d. Serum lithium level 2.1 mEq/L and irregular heart rate

Answer 1

Indications of lithium toxicity typically include high blood lithium levels and specific symptoms. A serum lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L accompanied by an irregular heart rate is a clear sign of lithium toxicity, which is a severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The indications of lithium toxicity in a patient are typically associated with specific blood lithium levels and presenting symptoms. Lithium toxicity can manifest with a range of symptoms that correlate with the severity of the toxin in the blood.

At serum lithium levels around 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, lithium is generally considered to be at therapeutic concentrations. Levels between 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L may start showing mild to moderate signs of toxicity, which could include nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and concentration difficulties.

As serum lithium levels exceed 2.0 mEq/L, severe toxicity can occur, presenting with symptoms such as confusion, irregular heart rate, seizures, and possibly coma. Based on the options provided, a serum lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L and an irregular heartbeat is an indication of lithium toxicity.