Your 75-year-old patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and bipolar disorder is experiencing tremors,cognitive slowing,and polyuria.His medications include Combivent,Advair,and lithium.Which drug is most likely to be causing his symptoms?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Medical treatment of any degree of bipolar disorder must begin with a mood stabilizer.These drugs include lithium;anticonvulsants such as valproic acid,carbamazepine,gabapentin,and lamotrigine;and antipsychotics.The main side effect of these drugs except for lithium is sedation.Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window and consequently must be used judiciously.Lithium can cause tremor,cognitive slowing,hypothyroid,renal insufficiency,leukocytosis,polyuria,and polydipsia.Lithium toxicity can result in coma.

Your 75-Year-Old Patient with a History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary