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Questions and Answers
A client taking lithium presents with coarse tremors, confusion, and persistent nausea. Which serum lithium level would the nurse suspect?
A client taking lithium presents with coarse tremors, confusion, and persistent nausea. Which serum lithium level would the nurse suspect?
- $0.4$ mEq/L
- $1.0$ mEq/L
- $1.7$ mEq/L (correct)
- $0.6$ mEq/L
A patient prescribed phenelzine (Nardil) for depression should be educated to avoid which of the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A patient prescribed phenelzine (Nardil) for depression should be educated to avoid which of the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
- Aged cheeses and cured meats (correct)
- Whole grain breads and cereals
- Lean poultry and fish
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
A client is prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for depression. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider immediately?
A client is prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for depression. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting to the provider immediately?
- Muscle rigidity, high fever, and agitation (correct)
- Diarrhea and mild nausea that started a week after starting the medication
- Mild insomnia that is managed with relaxation techniques
- Increased energy and focus after several weeks
Which of the following antidepressant classes poses the greatest risk of lethality in overdose?
Which of the following antidepressant classes poses the greatest risk of lethality in overdose?
Besides depression, for which of the following conditions might a physician prescribe an antidepressant medication?
Besides depression, for which of the following conditions might a physician prescribe an antidepressant medication?
Flashcards
Lithium Use
Lithium Use
Mood stabilizer, treats bipolar disorder by reducing the severity and frequency of mania.
Lithium Toxicity Signs
Lithium Toxicity Signs
Confusion, muscle twitching, and seizures. A level above 1.5 mEq/L is considered toxic.
Lithium Side Effects
Lithium Side Effects
Headache, nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome
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Antidepressant Uses
Antidepressant Uses
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Study Notes
- Lithium is prescribed for bipolar disorder
- Signs of lithium toxicity include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Incoordination
- A lithium level of 1.5 mEq/L or higher is generally considered toxic
- Adverse effects of lithium can include:
- Weight gain
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney problems
- Fine hand tremors
- Nursing implications for patients on lithium include:
- Monitoring lithium levels regularly
- Assessing for signs of toxicity
- Educating patients about the importance of adequate fluid and salt intake
- Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the brain
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Muscle rigidity
- Seizures
- The categories of antidepressant medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Atypical antidepressants
- Examples of drugs for each category:
- SSRIs: Sertraline
- SNRIs: Venlafaxine
- MAOIs: Phenelzine
- TCAs: Amitriptyline
- Atypical antidepressants: Trazodone
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are potentially lethal with overdose
- Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Other mood disorders
- Foods that contain tyramine should be avoided with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because tyramine can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure when taken with MAOIs
- Foods high in tyramine include:
- Aged cheeses
- Cured meats
- Fermented foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bupropion is an antidepressant that is also used for tobacco cessation
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