A bipolar client being maintained on lithium calls the nurse at the clinic to say he has had severe
diarrhea for 4 days. He mentions that he feels very weak and "kind of staggers" when he walks.
He
states his usual hand tremor has gotten worse. The nurse should advise
a. having someone bring the client to the clinic immediately.
b. restricting food and fluids for 24 hours and staying in bed.
c. drinking a large glass of water with 1 teaspoon of salt added.
d. taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication hourly until the diarrhea
subsides.
A
The symptoms described suggest lithium toxicity. The client should have a lithium level drawn and
may require further treatment. Because neurological symptoms are present, the client should not
drive and should be accompanied by another person. Options B, C, and D: These will not ameliorate
the client's symptoms.
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By choosing a career in nursing, students are already on a leadership path
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.