A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching for a client who will continue to take lithium carbonate at home to manage bipolar disorder.Which of the following instructions should the nurse include when reinforcing the teaching?.
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale:Withholding the dose if having a fine hand tremor is not recommended. Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium, but they can be managed by adjusting the dose.Choice B rationale:Avoiding foods with a high tyramine content is not necessary for lithium users. This dietary restriction is typically associated with certain antidepressants, not lithium.Choice C rationale:Limiting daily fluid intake is incorrect. Lithium can cause increased thirst and urination, so it’s important to maintain adequate hydration.Choice D rationale:Following a low-sodium diet is not advised. Both salt and fluid can affect the levels of lithium in your blood, so it’s important to consume a steady amount every day.So, the correct answer is, none of the above.