ATI RN Mental Health Asn Related

Review ATI RN Mental Health Asn related questions and content

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse should teach the client that which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?

  • A. The client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon.
  • B. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily.
  • C. The client eats 2-3 grams of sodium-containing foods daily.
  • D. The client eats foods high in tyramine.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Running 4 miles daily causes excessive sweating, leading to dehydration and potential lithium toxicity. Lithium is excreted through the kidneys and dehydration can decrease kidney function, causing lithium levels to rise. Choices B and C are actually helpful as adequate hydration and normal sodium intake reduce the risk of lithium toxicity. Choice D is irrelevant as tyramine is not linked to lithium toxicity.