Final answer:
To reduce the risk of lithium toxicity, a client should stay well-hydrated, maintain a regular sodium intake, and monitor for hypothyroidism symptoms. Clients should not restrict fluids or sodium intake too much as this can increase toxicity risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching a client who has a prescription for lithium carbonate, it is important to provide information on reducing the risk for lithium toxicity. Key instructions the nurse should include are:
- Ensuring adequate hydration to prevent dehydration by drinking sufficient water to maintain a healthy volume of urine output (about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day).
- Maintaining a balanced sodium intake is crucial because low sodium levels in the body can lead to increased lithium retention, which could contribute to toxicity. Therefore, a diet with a regular amount of sodium is advisable, and extreme reductions in sodium should be avoided.
- Monitoring for signs of side effects such as hypothyroidism, a potential condition associated with long-term lithium use, by being aware of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and changes in skin texture.
The client should not restrict fluid intake, as this could lead to dehydration and increase the risk of lithium toxicity. They should also not skip doses when experiencing gastrointestinal upset but rather contact their healthcare provider for advice. Consuming a diet with an extreme low sodium content or restricting fluid intake can significantly increase the risk of lithium toxicity and is not recommended.