What is essential when administering lithium to a child?

When administering lithium to a child, ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids is crucial because lithium can significantly impact kidney function and cause dehydration. Children can be particularly sensitive to changes in hydration status, and maintaining adequate fluid intake helps to prevent potential complications such as lithium toxicity.

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that blood levels must be monitored closely to avoid both subtherapeutic and toxic levels. Dehydration can increase lithium concentration in the blood, raising the risk of toxicity. Therefore, it is vital to encourage fluid intake before, during, and after administration to help maintain the appropriate balance and support renal function.

In contrast, monitoring blood pressure, administering lithium on an empty stomach, and checking for allergic reactions, while important in their own contexts, do not address the specific concerns related to the impact of hydration on lithium levels and overall child safety.