Josefina is to be discharged on a regimen of lithium carbonate. In the teaching plan for discharge the nurse should include:

Advising the client to watch the diet carefullySuggesting that the client take the pills with milkReminding the client that a CBC must be done once a month. Encouraging the client to have blood levels checked as ordered.

Explanation.

Blood levels must be checked monthly or bimonthly when the client is on maintenance therapy because there is only a small range between therapeutic and toxic levels.