A patient who has taken lithium for 6 months reports, "I go to the bathroom many times a day and pass large amounts of very pale urine." The nurse's action should be based on the understanding that these symptoms may indicate which problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of frequent urination and large amounts of very pale urine may suggest diabetes insipidus, which is a potential side effect of lithium therapy. Lithium can affect the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, leading to excessive urination and diluted urine. Atactic toxicity and uremic syndrome are not associated with these symptoms, and interstitial nephritis may present with dark urine and low urine output rather than increased urination.

A Patient Who Has Taken Lithium for 6 Months Reports