Under which condition would a primary healthcare provider potentially change lithium therapy for a client diagnosed with acute mania?

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Changing lithium therapy for a client diagnosed with acute mania primarily depends on the potential risks associated with the patient's health conditions. In this scenario, a history of renal disease is critical because lithium is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Any impairment in renal function can lead to elevated lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Thus, if a patient has a history of renal disease, the healthcare provider would be very cautious and may opt to change or closely monitor lithium therapy.

Glaucoma, while it may require consideration in treatment planning, is not directly related to the pharmacokinetics of lithium. It is generally more associated with medications that may affect intraocular pressure. Similarly, heart disease necessitates caution due to the potential effects of lithium on cardiac function, but the direct renal implications of lithium therapy and monitoring are much more pronounced. Lastly, hypothyroidism is also significant because lithium can affect thyroid function, but it is often manageable with appropriate monitoring and does not warrant an immediate change in therapy unless clinically indicated.

Therefore, under the condition of renal disease, a primary healthcare provider would be most likely to change lithium therapy to prevent possible complications associated with lithium toxicity due to impaired renal elimination.

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