A client has a lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions by the nurse is indicated?
A) Call the physician for an increase in dosage.
B) Do not give the next dose, and call the physician.
C) Increase fluid intake for the next week.
D) No intervention is necessary at this time.
D
Feedback: The lithium level is within the therapeutic range. Serum levels of less than 0.5 mEq/L are rarely therapeutic, and a level of more than 1.5 mEq/L is usually considered toxic. Answers A, B, and C are not appropriate reactions to the lithium level.
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