A Patient,diagnosed with Depression,is Being Treated with Lithium

question 24

Multiple Choice

A patient,diagnosed with depression,is being treated with lithium.The nurse assesses the patient's serum lithium level and it is 2.4 mEq/L,What should the nurse do next?

• A) Do nothing. This is a therapeutic level.
• B) The serum level is stable, but the level should be monitored.
• C) Notify the physician. The patient may be at risk for lithium toxicity.
• D) Repeat the serum lab test.

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Definitions:

Pancreatic Amylase

An enzyme that digests carbohydrates.

Pepsinogen

Substance that is secreted by the chief cells in the lining of the stomach and becomes pepsin in the presence of acid.

Chief Cells

Cells in the lining of the stomach that secrete pepsinogen.

Mucous Cells

Cells that are found in the salivary glands and the lining of the stomach and that secrete mucus.