A client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium and has a current lithium blood level of 0.4 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse anticipate when assessing this client?
A)A decrease in manic behavior
B)Hyperactivity and pressured speech
C)A return to baseline behavior, calm and rational
D)Signs and symptoms of depression

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)A therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L. Because this client's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, that is, hyperactivity and pressured speech, because the client is in a manic phase. The client will not display a decrease in manic behaviors or a return to baseline behavior. The low lithium levels will not prevent the client from cycling to a depressive phase, but currently the client is in a manic phase, not a depressive phase, so the client will not display signs and symptoms of depression.
B)A therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L. Because this client's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, that is, hyperactivity and pressured speech, because the client is in a manic phase. The client will not display a decrease in manic behaviors or a return to baseline behavior. The low lithium levels will not prevent the client from cycling to a depressive phase, but currently the client is in a manic phase, not a depressive phase, so the client will not display signs and symptoms of depression.
C)A therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L. Because this client's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, that is, hyperactivity and pressured speech, because the client is in a manic phase. The client will not display a decrease in manic behaviors or a return to baseline behavior. The low lithium levels will not prevent the client from cycling to a depressive phase, but currently the client is in a manic phase, not a depressive phase, so the client will not display signs and symptoms of depression.
D)A therapeutic lithium level is 0.8-1.2 mEq/L. Because this client's level is low, behaviors will indicate mania, that is, hyperactivity and pressured speech, because the client is in a manic phase. The client will not display a decrease in manic behaviors or a return to baseline behavior. The low lithium levels will not prevent the client from cycling to a depressive phase, but currently the client is in a manic phase, not a depressive phase, so the client will not display signs and symptoms of depression.

A Client in the Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder Is