Which snack is appropriate for a client with bipolar disorder on lithium due to sodium content?

• A. Water
• B. Banana
• C. Tuna fish on saltine crackers
• D. Apple

Answer: (C)

Lithium levels in the blood are influenced by sodium that you consume. The kidneys process both lithium and sodium, so when sodium intake is high, the kidneys excrete more lithium, potentially lowering lithium levels; when sodium intake is low, lithium is reabsorbed more and toxicity risk rises. The goal is a steady, moderate sodium intake to keep lithium within a therapeutic range.

A snack with sodium, like tuna on saltine crackers, helps maintain that balance by providing sodium. In contrast, options with little or no sodium (water, banana, apple) don’t contribute sodium to help stabilize lithium levels. So the salty snack is the most appropriate choice for someone on lithium.