Which of the following is NOT part of the monitoring mnemonic for lithium?

The correct answer is the choice that identifies blood glucose as not being part of the monitoring mnemonic for lithium. When managing a patient on lithium therapy, specific parameters must be monitored regularly to ensure both efficacy and safety. The monitoring mnemonic generally includes:

• Electrolytes, particularly sodium, because lithium can affect sodium levels and lead to complications like lithium toxicity.

• Weight, which is relevant since weight changes can indicate fluid retention or other side effects associated with lithium treatment.

• Pregnancy is included as well, given that lithium can pose risks during pregnancy and should be monitored to manage these risks effectively.

Blood glucose is not a standard component of this monitoring mnemonic. While it is important to consider overall metabolic health, it is not specifically tied to the pharmacodynamics or side effect profile of lithium, making it less relevant in the context of regular monitoring for patients on this medication. Thus, recognizing what specifically is required for lithium monitoring helps provide a more focused approach to patient care.