Lithium - Medication template PDF

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Medication template...

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ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:

Medication

STUDENT NAME _____________________________________

Lithium, Prototype drug – lithium carbonate (Lithobid) MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________

REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________

Psychotherapeutic CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF MEDICATION

Expected Pharmacological Action - Changes sodium ion transport - Alters catecholamine metabolism - Promotes the growth of neurons

Therapeutic Use - Acute mania - Controls acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder (BPD)

Complications - Gastrointestinal effects, muscle weakness, drowsiness, headache, confusion - Polyuria - Goiter, hypothyroidism - Tremor (may be a side effect or sign of toxicity) - Toxicity due to a narrow therapeutic range

Medication Administration tablets, capsules, syrup

Contraindications/Precautions - Pregnancy, lactation - Severe renal insufficiency - Moderate to severe cardiac disorders - Dehydration, taking diuretics, low salt diet - History of angioedema from ACE inhibitors Precautions: thyroid disorders, seizure disorders, diabetes mellitus, urinary retention, suicidal ideation, older adults

Interactions - NSAIDs (except aspirin), tetracyclines, diuretics, methyldopa, and probenecid (Benemid). Increase the risk for toxicity - Phenothiazine antipsychotics (haloperidol). Increase the risk for dyskinesias, urinary retention - ACE inhibitors, which are antihypertensive drugs, may increase lithium levels

Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness - Absence of adverse effects - Effectiveness of the drug therapy

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES

Nursing Interventions - Monitor for early, transient side effects - Monitor lithium levels initially below 1.4 mEq/L Maintenance level less than 1.0 mEq/L - Monitor fluid intake and output - Monitor electrolyte imbalances - Monitor for signs of hypothyroidism - Monitor thyroid function tests yearly - Monitor for increasing tremor - Monitor sodium levels and kidney function

Client Education - Do not drive or perform hazardous tasks if drowsiness occurs. - Avoid caffeine and stressors - Report worsening tremors - Report fatigue, lethargy, inability to tolerate cold temperatures - Take lithium with food - Consume adequate amounts of food containing sodium

THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE

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