Question

The nurse cares for a client with bipolar disorder who is receiving drug therapy. The laboratory report reveals that the client's serum sodium level is 132 mEq/L (132 mmol/L). Which drug might have led to this condition?

1) Lithium
2) Bupropion
3) Fluoxetine
4) Nortriptyline

Answer 1

Lithium is the drug that might have led to the low serum sodium level in the client with bipolar disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug that might have led to this condition is Lithium. Sodium abnormalities, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium levels), are commonly associated with the use of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium can cause the kidneys to retain fluids, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. In severe cases, lithium can result in a potentially life-threatening condition called lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which can further contribute to low serum sodium levels.