A client receives a prescription for allopurinol. Which information provided by the client requires additional instruction by the nurse?

A. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to manage hyperkalemia, not to affect hemoglobin levels. While a hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL is within the normal range, it does not indicate the effectiveness of sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

B. Serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL (17.62 μmol/dL):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is not used to manage ammonia levels; it is used to lower elevated potassium levels. Thus, a serum ammonia level of 30 μg/dL does not reflect the effectiveness of the medication.

C. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is specifically used to treat hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). A serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating that the medication has effectively reduced elevated potassium levels.

D. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L):
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect glucose levels. A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is slightly elevated but unrelated to the effectiveness of the potassium-lowering medication.

A. Offer both drugs together with a meal:
Propylthiouracil (PTU) and Lugol's solution are typically not administered together with a meal. Lugol's solution, a strong iodine solution, is generally taken separately from PTU to avoid potential interactions and ensure optimal absorption of each medication.

B. Administer iodine one hour before PTU:
Lugol’s solution (iodine) is usually given before PTU because iodine can decrease the vascularity of the thyroid gland and make the thyroid gland less active, which helps PTU work more effectively. This timing helps optimize the therapeutic effects of both medications.

C. Schedule both medications at bedtime:
The timing of administration for PTU and Lugol’s solution is based on their specific interactions and pharmacokinetics rather than convenience. Scheduling them at bedtime does not align with the recommended practice for their optimal effectiveness.

D. Give parental dose once every 24 hours:
Both PTU and Lugol’s solution are not administered as a single dose every 24 hours. PTU is typically given multiple times per day to maintain effective blood levels, and Lugol’s solution is usually given as directed by the healthcare provider, often several times a day but not necessarily in a single 24-hour dose.