A patient with bipolar disorder has been prescribed lithium. Which is the priority nursing intervention?
1. Assist the patient in developing self-determination.
2. Discuss environmental modifications.
3. Change medications to control side effects.
4. Teach the patient about the medication.
Answer: 4
Explanation: Although community health nurses do assist patients in developing self-determination and making environmental modifications, the priority nursing intervention is to provide patient teaching about the medication and to ensure monitoring of the patient's lithium levels to evaluate the therapeutic level of the drug and to prevent toxicity. If side effects are observed or reported, the nurse should consult with the prescribing provider, who will determine if the medication needs to be changed.
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