A female client has been recently diagnosed as bipolar.

(A) The client should maintain a normal diet including normal salt intake. A low-sodium diet can cause lithium retention, leading to toxicity. (B) Lithium must be taken with meals because it is irritating to the gastric mucosa. (C) Diarrhea, vomiting, or diaphoresis can cause dehydration, which will increase lithium blood levels. If these symptoms occur, the nurse should instruct the client to withhold lithium. (D) Lithium is not to be taken with over-the-counter drugs without specific instruction. Some drugs raise lithium levels, whereas others lower lithium levels.