A client taking lithium reports vomiting, coarse hand tremor… | MyMerci
Medication AdministrationPPT
Question
A client taking lithium reports vomiting, coarse hand tremors, and new confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Hold the lithium and notify the health care provider.✓ Correct answer
2Give the next dose with a full glass of water.
3Tell the client these effects are expected during early therapy.
4Encourage the client to restrict sodium intake.
Explanation
Vomiting, coarse tremor, and confusion are concerning for lithium toxicity. The nurse should hold lithium, assess the client, and notify the provider for lithium level and treatment orders. Restricting sodium can increase lithium retention and worsen toxicity risk.
In-depth explanation
Clinical Judgment Lithium has a narrow safety margin, so neurologic change plus gastrointestinal symptoms is a medication-safety alarm.
Memory Tip Lithium toxicity: GI upset, tremor, confusion.
KR vs US NCLEX medication questions expect holding a potentially toxic medication before giving the next dose.
Clinical scenario
Clinical Practice Guide MedlinePlus lists lithium toxicity symptoms such as vomiting, tremor, confusion, and slurred speech, and describes the need for timely help and lithium level evaluation.
Caution Dehydration, sodium changes, kidney problems, and interacting drugs can raise lithium toxicity risk.
Key concepts
Lithium — A mood stabilizer used for bipolar disorder that requires monitoring because toxicity can occur.
Therapeutic Index — The margin between an effective dose and a toxic dose.
Coarse Tremor — A larger, more obvious tremor that may signal medication toxicity or neurologic compromise.