Acute lithium toxicity presents early with which type of symptoms, and later with which?

Acute lithium toxicity presents early with which type of symptoms, and later with which?

• A. Gastrointestinal disturbances
• B. Cardiac arrhythmias
• C. Renal failure
• D. Dermatologic rash

Answer: (A)

Acute lithium toxicity follows a pattern where the first signs are gastrointestinal, then neurological as toxicity progresses. When lithium is ingested, it directly irritates the GI tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain early on. As the substance is absorbed and levels rise, its effects on the central nervous system become evident, producing tremors, weakness, confusion, ataxia, and slurred speech. In severe cases, seizures or coma can occur. So the early, most noticeable symptoms are gastrointestinal, with neurologic symptoms developing later as toxicity advances.

Acute lithium toxicity follows a pattern where the first signs are gastrointestinal, then neurological as toxicity progresses. When lithium is ingested, it directly irritates the GI tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain early on. As the substance is absorbed and levels rise, its effects on the central nervous system become evident, producing tremors, weakness, confusion, ataxia, and slurred speech. In severe cases, seizures or coma can occur. So the early, most noticeable symptoms are gastrointestinal, with neurologic symptoms developing later as toxicity advances.