A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and has been taking lithium for 1 year. Before administering the medication, the nurse should check to see that which of the following tests have been completed?

A. Prepare for gastric lavage due to an extremely elevated lithium level.

This option is incorrect. A lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range for treating bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. Gastric lavage (stomach pumping) is not indicated for this level of lithium concentration.

B. Check the client's medication record to assess whether the client has been refusing her lithium.

This option is not directly relevant to the client's current lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L. While it's important to monitor medication adherence, the client's lithium level is within the therapeutic range, so there is no immediate concern about refusal or non-adherence.

C. Administer the morning dose of lithium.

This option is correct. With a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L, which falls within the therapeutic range for treating bipolar disorder, the nurse should proceed with administering the morning dose of lithium as prescribed. It's important to maintain therapeutic lithium levels to effectively manage the client's condition.

D. Hold the medication and assess for early manifestations of toxicity.

This option is incorrect. With a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L, there is no indication to hold the medication or suspect early manifestations of toxicity. Monitoring for lithium toxicity is important, but it's not warranted in this scenario where the lithium level is within the therapeutic range.

A. Grapefruit juice inactivates this medication - Grapefruit juice is known to interact with certain medications, but it does not affect the metabolism of diazepam. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

B. It is important to avoid foods that contain tyramine - Tyramine is typically associated with interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not benzodiazepines like diazepam. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

C. This medication must be swallowed whole - While it is generally recommended to swallow diazepam tablets whole with a full glass of water, this instruction does not encompass the full range of information necessary for safe medication use.

D. Diazepam can cause drowsiness - This statement is correct. Diazepam, like other benzodiazepines, has sedative effects and can cause drowsiness. Patients should be advised to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, until they know how the medication affects them. This is an essential aspect of patient education regarding diazepam.