Medication Administration: Tablets and Liquids

What is the unit of measurement used to describe the amount of lithium in one liter of blood?

millimoles per liter (correct)
micromoles per liter
moles per liter
milligrams per liter

How often should you have a blood test to check your lithium levels after the initial weekly tests?

Every 3-6 months (correct)
Only when you experience side effects
Every 6-12 months
Every 1-2 months

Why do you need to have a blood test about one week after your lithium dose is changed or you start taking a new medicine?

To monitor your thyroid function
To monitor your kidney function
To check your calcium levels
To check the lithium level in your blood (correct)

When is the best time to take a blood test if you take your lithium tablets at night?

The next morning (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is checked during a blood test every six months, besides lithium levels?

Kidney function, thyroid function, and calcium levels (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of regular blood tests for lithium levels?

To adjust your lithium dose as needed (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to take the tablet?

Swallow the tablet whole (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find it difficult to swallow the tablet?

Talk to your doctor about taking a liquid instead (D) Signup and view all the answers

How often should you take the liquid medication if you are taking it twice a day?

Morning and night (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of having too much lithium in the system?

Blurred vision (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you miss a dose of your tablet and it's been less than 10 hours since your regular time?

Take the normal dose you missed and then take the next dose at the usual time (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways to avoid dehydration?

Drink more water, especially in hot environments (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to take the prescribed dose of lithium?

For your safety, to avoid increasing or decreasing the dose (C) Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for lithium to start working?

Several days or even weeks (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of too much lithium in the blood?

Getting dehydrated (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of lithium toxicity?

Slurring of words (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have regular checks?

To prevent long-term problems (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you have a big change in the level of salt in your diet?

Your lithium levels will increase (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discuss family planning with your doctor if you are taking lithium?

To avoid potential risks to the unborn baby (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you take lithium and drink alcohol together?

You may experience severe drowsiness (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why should you talk to your doctor if you are taking lithium and discover you are pregnant?

To discuss treatment options (A) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you drink alcohol while taking lithium?

You may experience increased symptoms of depression (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances might the benefits of taking lithium during pregnancy outweigh the risks?

When the mother's mental health is at risk (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you do not drink enough water while taking lithium?

You may experience dehydration, which can change the level of lithium in the blood (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Lithium therapy record book?

To schedule blood tests and appointments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for the Creatinine level in the Lithium therapy record book?

mmol/L (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Date of next blood test' section in the Lithium therapy record book?

To schedule the patient's next blood test (D) Signup and view all the answers

What information is typically recorded in the 'Your Information' section of the Lithium therapy record book?

Personal details and emergency contact information (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Your mental health provider's information' section in the Lithium therapy record book?

To record the patient's mental health provider's contact information (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the hospital that produced the Lithium therapy record book?

Saint John of God Hospital (B) Signup and view all the answers