Which of the following is a common consequence of lithium therapy?

Lithium therapy, commonly used for treating bipolar disorder, can lead to a condition known as leukocytosis, which is characterized by an increased number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. This can occur as a response to the medication or as a side effect of the way lithium interacts with the body, particularly the bone marrow's production of white blood cells. The increase in leukocyte count is usually mild and can be seen in many patients undergoing treatment with lithium, making it a well-documented consequence.

In contrast, decreased clotting time, increased appetite, and hyperkalemia are less commonly associated with lithium use. Decreased clotting time is generally not a typical response to lithium; rather, many medications affect clotting factors differently. Increased appetite can vary among individuals on lithium, and while some may experience changes in appetite, it’s not a universally recognized consequence of the therapy. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, is also not a common outcome of lithium treatment. Instead, lithium can potentially lead to renal function changes, which could indirectly affect potassium levels, but hyperkalemia itself is not a direct or frequent result of lithium therapy.