Question

scenario: a patient taking lithium presents with gastrointestinal distress and fine hand tremor.
question: what is a possible management strategy?

• discontinue lithium immediately.
• add a beta - blocker.
• reduce the dose of lithium.
• increase fluid intake.

Explanation:

Lithium is used for mood disorders, and common side effects include gastrointestinal distress and tremors. Discontinuing immediately is not ideal as lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and abrupt stop can cause issues. Beta - blockers are for tremors but not the main approach for GI distress here. Increasing fluid intake doesn't directly address these side effects. Reducing the lithium dose can often alleviate mild side effects like these while still maintaining therapeutic effects.

Answer:

C. Reduce the dose of lithium.