Complete the following sentences by choosing from the list of options. The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lithium for 3 months. The nurse should ensure the client is consuming a consistent intake of dropdown to prevent dropdown

• sodium: Lithium is a monovalent cation that competes with sodium for reabsorption in the kidneys. A consistent sodium intake helps maintain stable lithium serum levels and prevents fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. Sudden decreases in sodium intake can increase lithium reabsorption, raising the risk for adverse effects. • toxicity: Lithium toxicity occurs when serum levels rise above the therapeutic range, often due to dehydration or changes in sodium intake. Ensuring consistent sodium consumption helps maintain lithium within the safe therapeutic window, minimizing symptoms such as tremors, ataxia, confusion, or gastrointestinal upset. Monitoring dietary sodium is a key preventive strategy in long-term lithium therapy. • glucose: Glucose intake does not significantly affect lithium serum levels or its pharmacokinetics. Altering glucose consumption will not prevent lithium toxicity or influence therapeutic outcomes. Focus should be on electrolytes, particularly sodium, rather than macronutrients like glucose. • protein: Protein intake has minimal impact on lithium pharmacology. While adequate nutrition is important for overall health, protein consumption does not prevent lithium toxicity. The primary dietary concern for clients on lithium is maintaining electrolyte balance, especially sodium. • dehydration: While dehydration can contribute to lithium toxicity, it is a condition to avoid rather than a direct result of consistent intake. Monitoring fluid intake is important, but the key factor in preventing toxicity related to lithium dosing is maintaining stable sodium levels. • hyponatremia: Hyponatremia is not the main risk addressed by lithium therapy; in fact, excessive sodium loss increases lithium toxicity risk. The primary concern is preventing elevated lithium levels, not sodium deficiency per se. Monitoring sodium helps stabilize lithium rather than specifically preventing hyponatremia.