The amount available is potassium chloride liquid 40 mEq/15 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A rationale:

The client should maintain a normal fluid intake while taking lithium, not limit it to 800 ounces per day.

Choice B rationale:

Lithium can be taken with or without food. This instruction is not necessary.

Choice C rationale:

It can indeed take up to 3 weeks to see the full effects of lithium. This is a correct instruction.

Choice D rationale:

The client should maintain a normal sodium diet while taking lithium, not a low-sodium diet.

So, the correct answer is C, after analyzing all choices.

Choice A rationale:

1 cup (8oz) plain low-fat yogurt. This is incorrect choice. Yogurt is a high-protein food that can increase nausea and reduce the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, taking levodopa/carbidopa with a small, low-protein snack can help with nausea symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

1 cup (8oz) of applesauce. This is a correct choice. Applesauce is a low-protein, low-fiber food that can help reduce nausea and improve the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to Drugs.com, taking levodopa/carbidopa with foods that have a high fiber content can delay the drug’s absorption into the body. Applesauce also contains natural sugars that can provide some energy and hydration to the client.

Choice C rationale:

1 cup (8 oz) cooked spinach. This is an incorrect choice. Spinach is a high-protein, high-fiber food that can increase nausea and decrease the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation3, dietary protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa by competing with the same transporter in the gut and the brain. High-fiber foods can also slow down the gastric emptying and reduce the drug’s availability.

Choice D rationale:

1 oz of cheddar cheese. This is an incorrect choice. Cheese is a high-protein, high-fat food that can increase nausea and decrease the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, dietary protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa by competing with the same transporter in the gut and the brain. High-fat foods can also delay the gastric emptying and reduce the drug’s availability.