Your patient is receiving lithium carbonate (Lithobid). She reports to you that she is having loose, watery stools and difficulty walking. What do you suspect the patient's lithium level will be?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should expect the patient's lithium level to be 1.8 mEq/L. The normal lithium level is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates a mild toxicity. Levels between 1.5 and 2.5 mEq/L would indicate symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, incoordination, muscle twitching and slurred speech.

Your Patient Is Receiving Lithium Carbonate (Lithobid)