Question

A nurse is reviewing the lab report of a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for several months. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a therapeutic lithium level?

a. 1.2 mEq/L
b. 1.6 mEq/L
c. 2.0 mEq/L
d. 2.5 mEq/L

Answer 1

The therapeutic level of lithium for an individual on lithium carbonate is between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, thus 1.2 mEq/L is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The therapeutic level of lithium for a person who has been taking lithium carbonate, a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, is a specific range that is considered safe and effective. The therapeutic range is typically between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Therefore, among the options provided, a. 1.2 mEq/L is recognized as a therapeutic lithium level. Levels above 1.2 mEq/L can be toxic, thus options b. 1.6 mEq/L, c. 2.0 mEq/L, and d. 2.5 mEq/L all fall outside of the therapeutic range and are considered to be potentially harmful.