A nurse is assessing a client who has hypermagnesemia.
Which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?

This is because swelling of the feet can be a sign of lithium toxicity, which is a serious condition that can occur when the level of lithium in the blood is too high. Lithium toxicity can cause confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and kidney problems. Therefore, the client should report any signs of lithium toxicity to their provider as soon as possible.

Choice A is wrong because limiting foods containing tyramine is not necessary for clients taking lithium. Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can interact with certain antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but not with lithium.

Choice B is wrong because decreasing the daily sodium intake can actually increase the risk of lithium toxicity.

Sodium helps to regulate the amount of lithium in the body, so if the sodium level is low, the lithium level can rise too high.

The client should maintain a normal sodium intake and drink enough fluids while taking lithium.

Choice C is wrong because taking this medication 2 hours before a meal is not required for clients taking lithium.

Lithium can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day to keep a steady level in the blood.

Taking lithium 2 hours before a meal may cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of lithium.

Methimazole is an antithyroid medication that blocks the thyroid from making thyroid hormones. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excess hormones. After taking methimazole for 2 months, the client should expect to see a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased pulse rate, and heat intolerance. Increased sleeping is a sign of improved thyroid function, as hyperthyroidism can cause insomnia and restlessness.

Choice A is wrong because weight loss is a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the thyroid hormone levels and help the client gain weight.

Choice B is wrong because an increase in pulse rate is also a symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should lower the heart rate and blood pressure by reducing thyroid hormone levels.

Choice D is wrong because warmer skin is another symptom of hyperthyroidism, not a result of methimazole treatment. Methimazole should improve the client’s heat tolerance and make the skin cooler and less sweaty.