Final answer:
The correct long-term side effects of lithium are: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, tremor. Hypothyroidism can lead to symptoms like weight gain and cold intolerance, while hyperthyroidism generally causes weight loss and increased sweating. Iodine deficiency can additionally cause goiter and cognitive impairments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The long-term side effects of lithium can include various physiological changes. Among the notable side effects are hypothyroidism, which may manifest as abnormal weight gain, fatigue, baldness, cold intolerance, and a slow heart rate. Lithium use has been associated with thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism. It is notable that in the context of pregnancy, thyroid hormone deficiency can severely affect the fetus, leading to developmental issues in the brain and even congenital deafness. The answer to the student's question about the long-term side effects of lithium is: a) Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, tremor.
It is critical to understand the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism as the symptoms and effects they produce are markedly different. While hypothyroidism often results in symptoms like weight gain and cold sensitivity, hyperthyroidism generally leads to weight loss, sweating, and an increase in heart rate due to a higher metabolic rate. Moreover, severe iodine deficiency in diet can lead to goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders, which impact growth, fertility, and can cause preventable intellectual disabilities. Hence, monitoring and managing thyroid function is crucial for those on long-term lithium therapy.