A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in the maintenance phase of treatment. The patient asks, "Do I have to keep taking this lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's appropriate response.

Rationale: A. Suggesting it is unusual for the provider to continue lithium could undermine trust in the treatment plan and is inaccurate. B. Lithium is typically continued long-term or indefinitely to prevent relapse, not just for 6 months. C. Continuing daily lithium helps maintain mood stability and significantly reduces the risk of relapse in bipolar disorder, even when the patient feels well. D. Stopping lithium after only 1 month of stability greatly increases the likelihood of recurrence of manic or depressive episodes.