A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. Exhibits Which of the following assessment findings require immediate follow- up? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. Blood pressure – Within normal range (115/76 mm Hg). No immediate concern. B. Lithium level – 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.8–1.2). Toxicity is likely, especially with the client’s symptoms (tremor, confusion, GI upset). Requires urgent follow-up. C. Sodium level – 128 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia. Low sodium increases the risk for lithium toxicity because lithium and sodium compete for renal reabsorption. D. WBC count – Within normal range (7,000/mm³). E. TSH level – Mildly elevated (6). Suggests hypothyroidism (a side effect of lithium) but not immediately life-threatening. Requires follow-up, but not urgent. F. BUN level –Elevated at 30 mg/dL (normal 10–20). Indicates impaired renal function, which reduces lithium clearance and increases toxicity risk. G. Levothyroxine dosage – No immediate safety issue noted; managed long term. H. Acetaminophen – Daily 325 mg is safe; not a concern. I. Lithium dosage – Current dose (600 mg BID) is likely contributing to toxicity and must be reassessed immediately.