Question

A manic patient showed progressive improvement with continued lithium therapy. After successful treatment, the patient is discharged from the hospital. What appropriate suggestions should the nurse make to the patient and his or her family during discharge? Select all that apply.

a. Water pills or diuretics will help with lithium side effects.
b. You can reduce the lithium dose if there is an excessive weight gain.
c. Over-the-counter medications are safe if taken as instructed on the box.
d. Schedule regular checkups to test the function of your thyroid and kidney.
e. Contact the primary health care provider if there is any excessive vomiting.

Answer 1

Upon discharge after lithium therapy, patients should (e) contact their health care provider for any serious side effects, (d) schedule regular checkups for thyroid and kidney function, and not reduce their lithium dose or take over-the-counter medications without consulting a medical professional.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discharging a patient who has been receiving treatment with lithium, it is important to provide appropriate suggestions for ongoing care. First and foremost:

• Contact the primary health care provider if there are any signs of excessive vomiting or other serious side effects.
• Schedule regular checkups to monitor the function of your thyroid and kidney, as lithium can affect these organs.

It is not advisable to:

• Reduce the lithium dose on your own due to side effects such as weight gain without consulting with your healthcare provider, as this can lead to a relapse or subtherapeutic levels.
• Use diuretics or "water pills" without medical advice. While these may help with some side effects, they can also alter lithium levels in your body.
• Assume that all over-the-counter medications are safe. Many can interact with lithium, so it's important to consult your healthcare provider before taking new medications or supplements.