What can happen to the patient during lithium toxicity at levels exceeding 2 mmol/l?

What can happen to the patient during lithium toxicity at levels exceeding 2 mmol/l?

• A. Severe dehydration
• B. Seizures and arrhythmias
• C. Persistent tremors
• D. Rash and fever

Answer: (B)

In cases of lithium toxicity with levels exceeding 2 mmol/L, the patient can experience seizures and arrhythmias. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and its therapeutic range is narrow. When lithium levels rise significantly, it can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as seizures, which are caused by lithium's effects on the central nervous system and its potential to disrupt normal neuronal firing. Arrhythmias may occur because lithium can influence cardiac conduction and electrical activity, potentially leading to serious heart rhythm disturbances. These complications highlight the severity of toxicity and the need for prompt recognition and appropriate management. Other potential symptoms of lithium toxicity, which may include severe dehydration, persistent tremors, and various systemic reactions, usually arise at lower levels or represent less critical aspects of toxicity. However, the most severe and life-threatening manifestations involve seizures and arrhythmias, making them critical indicators of significant lithium toxicity.

In cases of lithium toxicity with levels exceeding 2 mmol/L, the patient can experience seizures and arrhythmias. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and its therapeutic range is narrow. When lithium levels rise significantly, it can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as seizures, which are caused by lithium's effects on the central nervous system and its potential to disrupt normal neuronal firing.

Arrhythmias may occur because lithium can influence cardiac conduction and electrical activity, potentially leading to serious heart rhythm disturbances. These complications highlight the severity of toxicity and the need for prompt recognition and appropriate management.

Other potential symptoms of lithium toxicity, which may include severe dehydration, persistent tremors, and various systemic reactions, usually arise at lower levels or represent less critical aspects of toxicity. However, the most severe and life-threatening manifestations involve seizures and arrhythmias, making them critical indicators of significant lithium toxicity.