Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the client to take lithium with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset, maintain a consistent sodium intake, and drink plenty of water instead of sugary or caffeinated beverages. Stopping lithium suddenly is not advised; instead, the client should consult their healthcare provider for any mood changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should include in the teaching to take lithium with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that blood levels of lithium need to be closely monitored. While it’s not necessary for a patient to maintain a low-sodium diet, it is important to maintain a consistent sodium intake because sodium levels can affect how lithium is processed by the body. A sudden low sodium intake can increase lithium levels and lead to toxicity. In terms of hydration, the client should drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks rather than consuming caffeinated beverages, which can lead to dehydration. This is because lithium can affect kidney function, making proper hydration crucial. The client should not stop taking lithium if they experience mood swings but should consult with a healthcare provider, as mood swings might indicate the need for an adjustment in the dose or approach to treatment.