A pt. is brought to the casualty in the state of altered sensorium. He was on lithium t/t for affective disorder and has suffered through an attack of epileptic fits. On examination he has tremors increased DTR’s and incontinence of urine. He has also undergone an episode of severe gastroenteritis 2 days ago. The serum lithium was found to be 1.95 m moles/L. The cause of her condition is :
Correct Answer: Lithium toxicity
Description: Ans. is 'a' i.e. Lithium toxicityI am not sure on this One.The symptoms of the pt. can be attributed to C.N.S. toxicity occuring d/t lithium overdose but K.D.T. says that serum level of Lithium required to cause CNS symptoms is above 2 meq.The Symptoms can also be attributed to dehydration occuring d/t gastroenteritis.The dehydration is aggravated by polyurea occuring d/t lithium (This adverse effect of lithium can occur at serum level above 1.5 meq.)Goodman & Gilman says that lithium toxicity occurs in - Acute therapy at serum level - >4 meq. Chronic therapy at serum level - >1.5 meq.The pt. in question seems to be undergoing chronic therapy with lithium.Therefore I find lithium toxicity, the more correct choice.I have given you the facts, you can decide for yourself.
Category:
Psychiatry
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now