The patient has bipolar disorder and is in a manic phase. The physician prescribes lithium (Eskalith). The client's current lithium level is 0. 4) Which assessment findings should the nurse anticipate?

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Lithium is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and stabilize mood. In a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase, lithium helps to reduce mood swings and manic behavior. A lithium level of 0.4 is within the therapeutic range, which means it is likely to be effective in reducing manic symptoms but may also cause side effects such as nausea, tremors, and increased thirst. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate hyperactivity and pressured speech, which are common symptoms of mania that may persist despite treatment with lithium. A return to baseline behavior or signs and symptoms of depression are not expected outcomes at this time, and a decrease in manic behavior would be ideal but cannot be guaranteed with just one lithium level reading.

The Patient Has Bipolar Disorder and Is in a Manic