Question

A nurse is providing discharge teachings to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse should teach the client that which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?

A. The client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon.
B. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily.
C. The client eats 2 to 3 gm of sodium-containing foods daily.
D. The client eats foods high in tyramine.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that the client eats foods high in tyramine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder, but it can be toxic in high doses. One of the factors that can put a client at risk for lithium toxicity is eating foods that are high in tyramine. Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound found in certain foods, such as aged cheese, red wine, and fermented or pickled foods. When these foods are consumed in large amounts, they can cause an increase in the levels of tyramine in the blood, which can lead to a dangerous interaction with lithium and potentially cause lithium toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should teach the client to avoid foods that are high in tyramine, such as aged cheese, red wine, and fermented or pickled foods, to reduce her risk of lithium toxicity.