Lithium Therapy Guidelines

What should you do to maximize therapeutic benefits of lithium?

Periodic office or clinic visits for blood tests are not necessary while taking lithium.

What should you do before taking diuretic medications while on lithium?

Maintain a normal diet including consistent ______ intake.

Lithium can harm an unborn baby.

What should you do if signs of overdose from lithium occur?

How should lithium be taken to decrease stomach upset?

What happens if you decrease sodium intake while taking lithium?

How many glasses of fluids should you drink daily while on lithium?

Avoid excessive intake of ______ containing beverages.

Lithium Therapy Guidelines

Adhere strictly to lithium dosing to enhance therapeutic effects and prevent adverse reactions; lifelong therapy may be necessary.
Regular blood tests are essential; schedule periodic visits to monitor lithium levels.

Medication Interactions

Consult a healthcare provider before taking diuretics, as they can lead to sodium and water loss, increasing lithium toxicity.

Dietary Considerations

Maintain a normal diet with consistent salt and adequate fluid intake to reduce the risk of adverse effects; excessive sweating from heat or exercise can exacerbate risk.
Avoid altering dietary salt intake; decreased sodium can heighten adverse effects, while increased sodium may lower lithium's therapeutic impact.

Reproductive Health

Women of childbearing age should utilize effective birth control during treatment, as lithium can harm an unborn child; inform the prescriber if pregnancy occurs.

Overdose Awareness

Stop lithium intake immediately and contact a prescriber if overdose signs develop, such as severe symptoms indicating toxicity.

Administration Tips

Take lithium with food or milk to minimize stomach discomfort; this can aid in better absorption.

Hydration Guidelines

Aim to drink 8-12 glasses of fluids daily; limit caffeine consumption to maintain effective lithium levels and prevent dehydration that could lead to toxicity.

This quiz covers essential guidelines for lithium therapy, focusing on dosing, medication interactions, dietary considerations, and reproductive health. It highlights the importance of monitoring and the potential risks associated with lithium treatment, particularly for women of childbearing age. Test your knowledge on maintaining safe and effective lithium therapy.