For which condition is attention necessary for a client taking lithium?

Clients taking lithium need to be particularly attentive to renal function because lithium is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. The therapeutic index of lithium is narrow, meaning that there is a fine line between therapeutic doses and toxic doses. If renal function declines, lithium clearance may be reduced, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity, which can manifest as symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Maintaining adequate hydration and monitoring for any signs of renal impairment is essential for clients receiving lithium therapy. If there are any changes in renal function, adjustments to the lithium dose may be needed, and more frequent monitoring of plasma lithium levels may be warranted to prevent toxicity.

Other conditions such as gout, thyroid dysfunction, and myocarditis, while they may require monitoring, do not pose the same immediate risk of toxicity related to a client’s renal status in the context of lithium therapy. Therefore, renal failure is the condition with the most direct relevance to someone taking lithium and is crucial for monitoring.