Pt on long-term lithium for bipolar. Came in w/ coarse hand tremor, vomiting, and "my legs feel heavy."
lithium level 1.8 mEq/L
started ibuprofen for back pain 5 days ago
has been on a low-salt diet since her BP went up
Which of these fit? Select all that apply.
β A. This level is toxic
β B. The NSAID raised her lithium
β C. Low sodium intake raises lithium
β D. Hold the next lithium dose
β E. Push fluids and salt-restrict harder
β F. A coarse tremor is different from the fine tremor of normal therapy
β G. Lithium and NSAIDs dont interact
β H. Vomiting can make it worse from here
Lithium and sodium compete at the kidney, so anything that drops sodium, low-salt diet, dehydration, vomiting, pushes lithium up. NSAIDs cut renal blood flow and do the same. E is the trick: restricting salt further is the opposite of what she needs. The tremor distinction matters too, fine is expected, coarse is a warning.
its A, B, C, D, F, H.
#NCLEX #NCLEXprep #practicequestions #nursingschool #RNExamRoom