Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Full-length
A client is taking lithium for management of bipolar I disorder. The client's most recent serum lithium level is 0.8 mEq/L (0.8 mmol/L). Based on this result, what prescription does the nurse anticipate receiving from the health care provider?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L is low (therapeutic range: 1.0-1.5 mEq/L for acute mania). Increasing the dose is likely to achieve therapeutic levels.