intermediateinformed consentlithiumdocumentationmedicolegalrisk disclosureprescribing
A PMHNP is initiating lithium therapy for a 34-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder. The patient agrees to start the medication after a brief discussion. Six months later, she develops hypothyroidism and renal impairment, and files a complaint alleging she was never informed of these risks. The PMHNP reviews her documentation and finds she wrote only 'Risks and benefits discussed, patient agrees to treatment.' The PMHNP considers what constitutes legally and ethically adequate informed consent documentation.