What should be monitored in patients taking lithium?

Monitoring serum lithium levels and renal function is essential for patients taking lithium because of the drug's narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity. Lithium is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, and any impairment in renal function can lead to increased lithium levels, posing a risk for lithium toxicity, which can manifest with symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Regularly checking serum lithium levels helps ensure that the concentration remains within the therapeutic range, typically between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, depending on the individual patient’s needs. This monitoring is critical since many factors, such as hydration status, dietary sodium intake, and renal function, can influence lithium metabolism and clearance, potentially leading to adverse effects if not adequately managed.

Other options may involve relevant monitoring in different clinical contexts, but they do not address the specific needs and risks associated with lithium therapy. For instance, blood pressure and heart rate focus on cardiovascular monitoring but miss the primary concerns of lithium therapy. Liver function tests are not critical for lithium monitoring. Similarly, while a complete blood count and electrolyte levels are important in many treatments, they do not specifically pertain to the key issues surrounding lithium therapy management. Thus, the most pertinent monitoring parameters are serum