Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The nurse should teach the client to report which of the following symptoms immediately?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Tremors. Lithium is known to cause hand tremors as a common side effect. This symptom could indicate early signs of lithium toxicity, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Mild nausea (A) and increased thirst (B) are common side effects that may occur initially but do not require immediate reporting. Weight gain (D) is a common side effect of long-term lithium use and does not require immediate attention. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize educating the client to report tremors promptly to prevent serious complications.