The nurse informs the patient to remain well hydrated while taking lithium because dehydration can lead to:
Lithium toxicity
Increased effectiveness
The need to increase the lithium dosage
Lower serum lithium levels
The Correct Answer is A
A. Lithium toxicity can occur if the patient becomes dehydrated while taking lithium, as dehydration can lead to higher concentrations of lithium in the blood.
B. Increased effectiveness is not a consequence of dehydration while taking lithium.
C. Dehydration would not typically lead to the need to increase the lithium dosage but rather to the risk of toxicity.
D. Dehydration can lead to higher, not lower, serum lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Feelings of despair or hopelessness are common symptoms of depression, reflecting a persistent low mood.

B. Increased energy is not typically associated with depression; instead, individuals with depression often experience fatigue or loss of energy.
C. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, are common symptoms of depression, affecting both the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
D. Euphoria, or a feeling of intense happiness or excitement, is not typically associated with depression and may indicate a different mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fever and lack of muscular coordination may indicate symptoms of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious complication that can occur when sertraline (an SSRI) is combined with lithium.
B. Nausea and headache are common side effects of sertraline and lithium but are not typically indicative of a serious complication when these medications are used together.
C. Anxiety and insomnia may be related to the underlying condition being treated (e.g., depression) but are not necessarily indicative of a serious complication.
D. Dry mouth and constipation are potential side effects of lithium but are not typically indicative of a serious complication when combined with sertraline.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.