Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

When initially administering Thorazine or Haldol to a client with severe mania, what should the psychiatric technician be aware of regarding lithium?

1. High doses can cause liver damage

2. High doses will mask nausea and vomiting of lithium toxicity

3. It is safe to combine with other medications

4. There are no side effects when combined

The correct answer is: High doses will mask nausea and vomiting of lithium toxicity

The correct response highlights an important safety consideration when administering antipsychotic medications like Thorazine (chlorpromazine) or Haldol (haloperidol) in conjunction with lithium. High doses of antipsychotics may indeed mask symptoms of lithium toxicity, such as nausea and vomiting. This masking effect can lead to a dangerous situation where a client may not exhibit the typical warning signs of toxicity, delay recognition, and therefore prolong the state of toxicity, which can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. In patients treated with lithium, it is critical for healthcare providers to monitor for signs of toxicity closely, especially when introducing or adjusting doses of other medications such as antipsychotics. The anxieties associated with severe mania may indeed complicate this monitoring, making it even more vital to recognize this interaction. Understanding this relationship is essential for maintaining patient safety and is a key consideration in psychiatric nursing practice.