The nurse is assessing a patient in the community health clinic who complains of having "the flu for over a week." The patient reports the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and compliance with the maintenance dosage of lithium carbonate. Upon further assessment the nurse finds that the patient has been coughing, a runny nose, chest congestion, blurred vision, fever of 100.9°F, and "ringing in their ears." What situation does the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. This is incorrect. These are not signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
2. This is incorrect. These are not signs of noncompliance with lithium therapy.
3. This is incorrect. This is not indicative of a tolerance to lithium carbonate. 
4. This is correct. Vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, tinnitus, tremors, and sedation are some symptoms of lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity occurs with a serum lithium level over 1.2 mEq/L.

The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient in the Community Health