Question

A client with hyperthyroidism is taking Eskalith (lithium carbonate) to inhibit thyroid hormone release. Which complaint by the client should alert the nurse to a problem with the client's medication?

The client complains of blurred vision.
The client complains of increased thirst and increased urination.
The client complains of increased weight gain over the past year.
The client complains of rhinorrhea.

Answer 1

Increased thirst and urination in a client with hyperthyroidism taking Eskalith should alert the nurse to possible lithium toxicity, which is a medication issue that requires immediate attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When treating a client with hyperthyroidism, who is taking Eskalith (lithium carbonate), the nurse should be alerted to a potential problem with the medication if the client complains of increased thirst and increased urination. These symptoms can be indicative of lithium toxicity, which requires immediate medical attention.

Hyperthyroidism itself is characterized by symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia, as opposed to hypothyroidism, which presents with weight gain, cold sensitivity, and reduced heart rate. It is also important to note that complaints of blurred vision, increased weight gain, or rhinorrhoea do not commonly associate with lithium toxicity and thus may hint towards other medical issues or side effects, but are not primarily related to the medication's impact on thyroid hormone release.