NUR 1141 - FINAL EXAM(2) REVIEW.

NUR 1141 - FINAL EXAM(2) REVIEW/NUR 1141 - FINAL EXAM(2) REVIEW. 1. What are the side effects and contraindications of lithium? What are the nursing implications for a client taking lithium? Page 365 Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic index o Therapeutic serum range: 0.5 to 1.5 mEq/L o Report to HCP if greater than 1.5. Serum lithium levels greater than 2 mEq/L are toxic. o Monitored every week in early therapy then every 1-2 months  Contraindications: pregnancy (teratogenic), lactation, liver and renal disease, cardiac disease, dehydration, hyponatremia, Children 12yo. Use caution in thyroid disease (as prolonged use of lithium causes hypothyroidism), seizure d/o  Interactions: o Lithium levels are decreased with use of sodium bicarbonate, theophylline and caffeine o Increased lithium level with thiazides, methyldopa, haloperidol, NSAIDs, antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, phenothiazines o May cause hyperglycemia if using antidiabetics.