A Client Began Taking Lithium for the Treatment of Bipolar

question 17

Multiple Choice

A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

• A)"That's strange.Weight loss is the typical pattern."
• B)"What have you been eating? Weight gain is not usually associated with lithium."
• C)"Weight gain is a common, but troubling, side effect."
• D)"Weight gain only occurs during the first month of treatment with this drug."