Question

Which of the following findings is a factor in the development of lithium toxicity? A. Hyponatremia B. Hypercalcemia C. Hypocalcemia D. Hypernatremia

Short answer

A. Hyponatremia B. Hypercalcemia C. Hypocalcemia D. Hypernatremia Answer: A. Hyponatremia

Step-by-step solution

Understand lithium toxicity

Lithium toxicity occurs when the concentration of lithium in a person's blood becomes too high. This can result from various factors, such as increased lithium intake, decreased lithium elimination, or a change in the body's fluid balance. It is essential to know which of the provided findings (hyponatremia, hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, or hypernatremia) is a factor in lithium toxicity development.

Define the given terms

Before we can determine which condition contributes to lithium toxicity, we must understand what each term means: A. Hyponatremia: A condition in which the blood sodium level is abnormally low. B. Hypercalcemia: A condition in which the blood calcium level is abnormally high. C. Hypocalcemia: A condition in which the blood calcium level is abnormally low. D. Hypernatremia: A condition in which the blood sodium level is abnormally high.

Evaluate the relationship between each term and lithium toxicity

Now, let's evaluate each of these conditions and their relationship to lithium toxicity: A. Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels in the blood can lead to an increased risk of lithium toxicity. This is because sodium and lithium compete for reabsorption in the kidneys. When there is less sodium, more lithium gets reabsorbed, leading to higher lithium levels in the blood. B. Hypercalcemia: High calcium levels in the blood are not directly related to lithium toxicity. While high calcium levels can cause symptoms similar to lithium toxicity, it does not increase the lithium concentrations in the blood. C. Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels in the blood are also not directly related to lithium toxicity. Like hypercalcemia, symptoms may be similar to lithium toxicity, but it does not affect lithium concentrations in the blood. D. Hypernatremia: High sodium levels in the blood are not directly related to lithium toxicity. High sodium levels can lead to dehydration, which can contribute to lithium toxicity, but it is not the primary factor.

Select the correct answer based on the analysis

Based on our analysis, we can conclude that only hyponatremia (A) is a factor in the development of lithium toxicity, as it makes lithium reabsorption more likely in the kidneys, leading to higher lithium concentrations in the blood. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Hyponatremia.