MEDizzy - The nurse provides home care instructions to a client who is

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The nurse provides home care instructions to a client who is taking lithium carbonate. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

ExplanationA normal diet and normal salt and fluid intake (1500 to 3000 mL per day) should be maintained because lithium decreases sodium reabsorption by the renal tubules, which could cause sodium depletion. A low-sodium intake causes a relative increase in lithium retention and could lead to toxicity. Lithium is irritating to the gastric mucosa; therefore, lithium should be taken with meals. Because therapeutic and toxic dosage ranges are so close, lithium blood levels must be monitored very closely: more frequently at first and then once every several months after that. The client should be instructed to withhold the medication if excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or diaphoresis occurs, and inform the primary health care provider if any of these problems arise.