A woman with bipolar disorder is taking lithium. She continues to take lithium until she realizes she is pregnant, which is 6 weeks into the pregnancy. Which potential adverse effect might the nurse tell the client about when she asks about lithium and pregnancy?
A)Craniofacial defects
B)Neural tube defects
C)Heart defects
D)Gastrointestinal defects

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)The risk for development of heart defects increases with lithium use during the first trimester, so the woman will need counseling related to assessments for potential heart defects. Neural tube defects and craniofacial defects are more common with divalproex (Depakote)administration. Gastrointestinal defects are not commonly associated with medications for bipolar disorder.
B)The risk for development of heart defects increases with lithium use during the first trimester, so the woman will need counseling related to assessments for potential heart defects. Neural tube defects and craniofacial defects are more common with divalproex (Depakote)administration. Gastrointestinal defects are not commonly associated with medications for bipolar disorder.
C)The risk for development of heart defects increases with lithium use during the first trimester, so the woman will need counseling related to assessments for potential heart defects. Neural tube defects and craniofacial defects are more common with divalproex (Depakote)administration. Gastrointestinal defects are not commonly associated with medications for bipolar disorder.
D)The risk for development of heart defects increases with lithium use during the first trimester, so the woman will need counseling related to assessments for potential heart defects. Neural tube defects and craniofacial defects are more common with divalproex (Depakote)administration. Gastrointestinal defects are not commonly associated with medications for bipolar disorder.

A Woman with Bipolar Disorder Is Taking Lithium