Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Increase fluid intake. Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, and it can cause dehydration and increase the risk of lithium toxicity. By increasing fluid intake, the client can maintain proper hydration levels, which helps to prevent lithium toxicity. This information is crucial for the client's safety and well-being.
Incorrect choices:
B: Decrease sodium intake - While monitoring sodium intake is important with lithium therapy, decreasing it is not necessary.
C: Eat foods high in potassium - While maintaining a balanced diet is important, focusing on potassium specifically is not directly related to lithium therapy.
D: Take the medication 1 hr before meals - Lithium can be taken with or without food, so the timing of meals in relation to medication is not a critical teaching point.
Incorrect choices:
B: Decrease sodium intake - While monitoring sodium intake is important with lithium therapy, decreasing it is not necessary.
C: Eat foods high in potassium - While maintaining a balanced diet is important, focusing on potassium specifically is not directly related to lithium therapy.
D: Take the medication 1 hr before meals - Lithium can be taken with or without food, so the timing of meals in relation to medication is not a critical teaching point.