A client who is prescribed lithium carbonate is being discharged from inpatient care. Which medication information should the nurse teach this client?

Choice A reason: Serum lithium levels are monitored periodically (e.g., weekly initially, then monthly), not every four hours, as levels stabilize over time. Frequent monitoring is unnecessary and impractical, and this instruction is incorrect for managing lithium therapy safely and effectively. Choice B reason: Holding a lithium dose due to feeling “out of control” is dangerous, as abrupt cessation can destabilize mood in bipolar disorder. Symptoms should be reported to the provider for dose adjustment, making this an incorrect and unsafe instruction. Choice C reason: Normal dietary sodium intake is critical with lithium, as low sodium increases lithium reabsorption in the kidneys, raising serum levels and toxicity risk. Maintaining consistent sodium intake prevents fluctuations in lithium levels, making this the correct teaching point. Choice D reason: Limiting fluid intake to 400 mL daily is dangerous and incorrect, as lithium can cause polyuria and dehydration. Adequate hydration (2–3 L/day) is needed to prevent toxicity and maintain kidney function, making this instruction harmful.