lithium the drug (mood stabilizer)

3: Research the medication using a minimum of 3 professional, high quality

peer reviewed journals, websites, and databases. At least 1 should be in

nursing.

Organize the patient education material as follows:

A. Use language appropriate to a 5th grade reading level.

B. Include the following information:

1. Name of the class of medications and examples (generic and brand names)

2. What the class of medications is usually used for, and how it works (For example, beta blockers lower the heart rate and blood pressure by partially blocking the effects of adrenalin on the cells.)

3. How should a patient take this medication?

a. What time of day? Does it matter?

b. How often? Exactly on time, or just spread it out?

c. With food, or without? Any foods to avoid?

d. What should a patient do if s/he skips a dose?

e. Anything else to know/avoid/check?

4. What patients should expect:

a. How long will it take to work?

b. How long does a patient have to take it?

c. How can a patient know if it is working?

5. What else should a patient observe for?