What it means
Lithium, used for bipolar disorderby-POH-ler dis-OR-derA mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.bi- twopol/o pole-ar having to do withFull entry , has a narrow therapeutic range: the helpful level and a toxic level are close together. The level is checked often when treatment starts or the dose changes, then regularly. Dehydration, a low-salt diet, heavy sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, and some drugs (such as diuretics and NSAIDs) make the level rise.
For the nurse
Draw the blood about 12 hours after the last dose (a trough level), usually in the morning before the next dose. Teach the client to drink plenty of fluids, keep salt intake steady, and report vomiting, diarrhea, coarse tremor, unsteady walking or confusion.
In a chart
"Lithium level 1.0 mEq/L drawn 12 hours post-dose."
At a glance
| Normal range | Therapeutic: 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L [0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L] |
|---|---|
| Critical range | Toxic effects become likely above 1.5 mEq/L [1.5 mmol/L]; each lab sets its own critical value. |
| Also written | lithium concentration, serum lithium level, lithium levels |
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
lithium
A mood-stabilizing drug used mainly to treat and prevent the mood episodes of bipolar disorder.