Скачать или смотреть Lithium & NSAIDs — The Interaction Every Patient Should Know | NAXLEX RAT 2 Q 14

Lithium patient teaching — side effects, interactions, and red flags

This video explains the essential teaching points nurses must cover when educating patients who are prescribed lithium. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range and some common behaviors or OTC meds (especially NSAIDs) can dangerously increase lithium levels. Teach patients these practical, evidence-based safety measures to prevent toxicity.

What you’ll learn
• Major interaction to avoid: Regular use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can decrease renal clearance of lithium → increased risk of toxicity. Avoid routine NSAID use and check with the prescriber before taking any OTC painkiller.
• Hydration: Maintain consistent fluid intake — dehydration raises lithium levels. Drink fluids regularly, especially in hot weather or with vomiting/diarrhea.
• Weight & monitoring: Monitor weight and report sudden changes (may reflect fluid shifts, thyroid or renal issues). Keep scheduled labs and lithium levels.
• Tremor: Fine tremor is common initially; report if tremor worsens or interferes with function — may be sign of toxicity.
• Other monitoring: Renal function, thyroid function, electrolytes and periodic serum lithium levels are essential. Know signs of toxicity (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, confusion, severe tremor, slurred speech) and seek care immediately.

Quick patient teaching script (use as teach-back):
“Do not take ibuprofen or similar OTC pain relievers regularly while on lithium. Drink plenty of fluids, weigh yourself regularly, and call your prescriber if you have vomiting, severe tremor, dizziness, or confusion. Keep labs on schedule.”

Useful links & community
Free NCLEX Qbank & Webinars → https://app.naxlex.com/signup

Join our FB community →   / 19xlqp6hum  

Instagram →   / naxlexnclex  

“Most similar to the actual NCLEX exam Question.”

#Lithium #MedicationSafety #NursingTips #PsychNursing #NCLEX #PatientEducation #MentalHealth