Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse noted that the client’s morning carbamazepine level was 8.4 mg/L. Which action should the nurse take?

Lithium carbonate is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. However, it has a narrow therapeutic index and requires careful monitoring of serum levels to avoid toxicity. One of the major concerns with lithium therapy is the potential for drug interactions and toxicity. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can increase lithium levels by reducing its excretion and can lead to lithium toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to instruct the client to eliminate the use of NSAIDs while taking lithium.

Option b) Avoid consuming all foods that contain iodine is incorrect because iodine is not contraindicated with lithium. However, excessive iodine intake can interfere with thyroid function, which can exacerbate mood instability.

Option c) Notify healthcare provider prior to dental procedures is not specific to lithium therapy and is a general precaution that patients with bipolar disorder should follow before any medical or dental procedures.

Option d) Monitor blood glucose levels daily is also not directly related to lithium therapy. While lithium can cause diabetes insipidus, which can lead to excessive thirst and urination, it does not typically affect blood glucose levels.

Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker that is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One of the potential adverse reactions of tamsulosin is hypotension, which can be manifested as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is a crucial intervention for clients receiving tamsulosin.

Assessing urine output (option a) and performing a bladder scan (option b) may be appropriate interventions for clients with urinary retention or other urinary tract issues, but they are not specific to monitoring adverse reactions to tamsulosin.

Obtaining daily weights (option d) may be useful for monitoring fluid balance in some clients, but it is not directly related to adverse reactions to tamsulosin.