A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach."

Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Instructing the client to take it on an empty stomach would be incorrect.

B. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea."

Diarrhea is not typically a reason to stop lithium therapy. However, persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect lithium levels. It's essential for the client to report persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

C. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication."

A low-salt diet is not typically recommended with lithium therapy. In fact, lithium can cause sodium depletion, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate salt intake unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

D. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."

This statement is correct. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure the medication's effectiveness and prevent toxicity. Initially, frequent monitoring is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage and assess for any signs of toxicity. Weekly blood level checks during the first month of therapy are common practice.

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.