A nurse is preparing to teach a client about his prescription of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea.”.
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach.”.
"You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication.”.
"You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month.”.
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea is not a specific reason to stop lithium. However, severe diarrhea can affect lithium levels and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Lithium does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. It can be taken with or without food.
Choice C rationale:
A low-salt diet is not recommended while on lithium. In fact, a consistent, normal sodium intake is important because low sodium levels can cause lithium levels to become too high.
Choice D rationale:
Regular blood tests are necessary when taking lithium to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity. Weekly blood tests may be required during the first month of treatment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While acknowledging the voices can be part of therapeutic communication, it’s not the first response a nurse should make.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that the voices are part of their illness can be helpful, but it’s not the first response a nurse should make.
Choice C rationale:
Asking about the frequency of the voices can be part of the assessment, but it’s not the first response a nurse should make.
Choice D rationale:
Asking what the voices are saying can help assess if the client is experiencing command hallucinations, which could pose a safety risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drinking green tea does not directly cause lithium toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Moderate exercise does not directly cause lithium toxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing sodium intake does not directly cause lithium toxicity. In fact, a sudden decrease in sodium intake can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Choice D rationale:
Experiencing diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of lithium toxicity by reducing the excretion of lithium.
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