What is the primary reason for monitoring lithium levels every two to three days until a therapeutic level is obtained?

A. Clarification is a crucial listening skill that involves asking questions or seeking additional information to ensure understanding. Avoiding clarification to prevent interruption can lead to misunderstandings and incomplete communication.
B. While it is important to be attentive and present during communication, taking notes can be necessary to document important information. The key is to balance note-taking with active listening. If done discreetly, note-taking should not significantly detract from the ability to engage in effective listening.
C. Finishing the client’s sentences can be perceived as interruptive and may come across as disrespectful or dismissive. It is important for the client to express their thoughts and feelings fully before the nurse responds.
D. Changing the environment to minimize distractions is a valuable listening skill. A quiet and comfortable setting can enhance effective communication by allowing the client to focus and express themselves without external interruptions. This helps ensure that the nurse can fully concentrate on the client’s message and respond appropriately.

A. While anxiety can cause symptoms like hallucinations, it's typically not associated with a sudden onset due to a physical illness and a high fever.
B. Delirium is an acute confusional state often caused by medical conditions, such as infections (like malaria), and is characterized by rapid onset, fluctuations in consciousness, and disturbances in attention, perception, and cognition. Hallucinations are a common symptom of delirium.
C. Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function, which usually develops gradually over time, not suddenly due to a fever.
D. While hallucinations are a symptom of psychosis, they are typically associated with underlying mental health conditions rather than a sudden physical illness.