Loss Lessons: Lithium Toxicity, Fine Tuning Medications Used in Behavioral Health
Description
Lithium therapy can be used for bipolar affective disorders and in depressive disorders where other antidepressants have been unsuccessful. It is considered a “high-risk” drug due to its narrow therapeutic range and potential for overdose toxicity. This case illustrates the pitfalls that occurred resulting in litigation. It is followed by a discussion of the problems that could have been avoided by following safety guidelines for prescribing lithium.
| Course ID #: | TDE 231343.0 | Issue Date: | 10/23/2023 | Expiration Date: | 10/23/2026 |
Description of the Professional Practice Gap (PPG)
Failure to follow safety guidelines and recommendations for Lithium. Medication errors are one of the leading causes of patient harm and medical liability. Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic range that requires diligent monitoring of blood levels and safe dosing and symptom recognition. Prescribers of high-risk drugs must have the knowledge of dosing regimens, and symptoms that may lead to toxicity and indicate SILENT Syndrome to prevent avoidable harm to patients and incorporate processes in their medical practices that educate patients and families about the serious symptoms and when to report them.
Learning Outcome Statement
After completing the program, 80% of learners will indicate an increase in confidence that their dosing and monitoring for lithium is appropriate.
Learning Objectives
After completing this activity, learners will be able to:
- Recognize that medication monitoring in lithium use is an imperative for patient safety.
- Monitor signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity knowing it may occur even with in therapeutic dose ranges.
- Recognize patient complaints and signs and symptoms of impending lithium toxicity requiring additional testing and intervene to prevent patient harm.
Course Developers
Sunshine Ayers, CPE Coordinator, Department of Patient Safety & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Kimberly Hathaway, MSN, RN, CPHRM, CPHQ, Director Patient Safety Healthcare Quality & Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Johanna Lackner, MPH, MSW, Senior Director, Continuing Professional Development, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company
Continuing Education Credit
The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians.
The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.
ANCC - Accreditation and Disclosure Statement
The Doctors Company is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
The Doctors Company designates this activity for a maximum of 0.25 nursing contact hour. Learners should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.
Disclaimer
The information and guidelines contained in this activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. We recommend that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.
Complies with State Requirements
Please SEE the Federation of State Medical Boards overview of Continuing Medical Education requirements by State.
Please SEE the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse CE Requirements by State.
Technical Requirements
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Contact Us
If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call 800.421.2368.
Resource
Visit our Resource document for this program.