A nurse in an outpatient clinic is caring for a client.

Select the 6 statements the nurse should include when reinforcing teaching to the client about the newly prescribed medication

A. Increase fluid intake. Clients taking lithium should increase fluid intake to 2-3 litres per day to prevent dehydration and maintain proper lithium excretion. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and dehydration can lead to toxic accumulation in the body. Adequate hydration also helps reduce the risk of side effects such as nephrotoxicity and lithium-induced polyuria.

B. Decrease sodium intake. Clients should not decrease sodium intake while on lithium. A low-sodium diet increases lithium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to a higher risk of lithium toxicity. Instead, sodium intake should remain consistent, and clients should avoid excessive sodium restriction or sudden dietary changes.

C. Eat foods high in potassium. Potassium levels are not significantly affected by lithium therapy. While potassium is essential for overall health, increasing potassium intake is not a specific recommendation for lithium users. Potassium-rich foods are more relevant for clients taking diuretics (e.g., furosemide) or cardiac medications like digoxin.

D. Take the medication 1 hr before meals. Lithium is typically taken with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Taking it on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of nausea and gastric discomfort, making it harder for clients to adhere to treatment. Clients should follow their provider’s instructions regarding meal timing.

A. Orthostatic hypotension. Prednisone does not typically cause orthostatic hypotension. Instead, corticosteroids can lead to fluid retention and hypertension due to their effects on sodium and water balance. Orthostatic hypotension is more commonly associated with medications such as diuretics or antihypertensives.

B. Hyperglycemia. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that increases blood glucose levels by enhancing gluconeogenesis and reducing insulin sensitivity. This effect can make blood sugar more difficult to control in clients who take insulin, potentially requiring higher insulin doses to maintain glycemic control. Clients with diabetes or those taking insulin should closely monitor their blood glucose levels while on prednisone.

C. Paresthesia. Paresthesia (numbness or tingling) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone or a direct interaction with insulin. While uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, prednisone does not typically cause neurological symptoms like tingling.

D. Jaundice. Prednisone is not commonly associated with hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction leading to jaundice. However, long-term corticosteroid use may increase liver enzyme levels, but it does not typically cause direct liver damage or bile obstruction. Jaundice would require evaluation for other underlying liver conditions.