A patient has taken lithium (Lithobid) 300 mg three times daily for 1 week. The patient reports the presence of fine hand tremors and thirst. Select the nurse's best action
a. Increase sodium in the patient's diet.
b. Immediately obtain a serum lithium level determination.
c. Comfort the patient that these effects will probably decrease over time.
d. Withhold the lithium until the patient no longer exhibits these side effects.
C
These side effects are common and often decrease or disappear over time with continued lithium therapy. Dietary sodium should remain unchanged to keep the lithium level stable. These side effects do not suggest the need for determination of a lithium level. Lithium should not be withheld, because these are not toxic symptoms.
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