A client who is prescribed lithium carbonate is being discharged from inpatient care. Which medication information should the nurse teach this client?
Have serum lithium levels checked every 6 months.
Adjust the dose if you feel out of control.
Do not reduce normal dietary sodium intake.
Limit fluid intake to 1,000 mL of fluid per day.
The Correct Answer is C
C. Sodium intake can influence lithium excretion and affect serum lithium levels. Maintaining a consistent and adequate sodium intake is important for stabilizing serum lithium levels and optimizing the medication's therapeutic effects.
A. Patients should have their serum lithium levels checked regularly, typically every 3 months, not just every 6 months as suggested.
B. Clients should never adjust their lithium dose without consulting their healthcare provider. Lithium dosage adjustments should be made only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional based on the client's clinical response, serum lithium levels, and overall treatment plan.
D. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being, and dehydration can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Sodium intake can influence lithium excretion and affect serum lithium levels. Maintaining a consistent and adequate sodium intake is important for stabilizing serum lithium levels and optimizing the medication's therapeutic effects.
A. Patients should have their serum lithium levels checked regularly, typically every 3 months, not just every 6 months as suggested.
B. Clients should never adjust their lithium dose without consulting their healthcare provider. Lithium dosage adjustments should be made only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional based on the client's clinical response, serum lithium levels, and overall treatment plan.
D. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and well-being, and dehydration can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Suicide precautions involve implementing safety measures and close monitoring to prevent the client from engaging in self-harm or suicide attempts. This may include continuous observation, removal of
potentially harmful objects or substances from the client's environment, and close supervision by staff members trained in suicide prevention.
A. Assessing for past suicide attempts can provide valuable information about the severity of the client's suicidal ideation, their previous experiences with suicidal behavior, and any patterns or triggers associated with suicidal crises. However, it is not a priority.
B. Assessing for a specific suicide plan allows the treatment team to evaluate the level of risk and urgency of intervention required to keep the client safe. However, with or without a plan, safety should be prioritized.
C. identifying coping mechanisms is important for overall mental health and well-being. However, it is not the priority intervention when a client reports current suicidal ideation.
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