A client with Parkinson's disease who is taking carbidopa/levodopa reports the urine appears to be darker in color. Which action should the nurse take?
Obtain a specimen for a urine culture.
Explain the color change is normal.
Measure the client's urinary output.
Encourage an increase in oral intake.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obtain a specimen for a urine culture: A urine culture is necessary when infection is suspected, typically indicated by symptoms like burning, urgency, or foul odor. Darker urine alone in a client on carbidopa/levodopa is not an indication for infection testing.
B. Explain the color change is normal: Carbidopa/levodopa can cause harmless discoloration of bodily fluids, including darker urine, sweat, and saliva due to the metabolism and excretion of the medication. This is a well-known and non-threatening side effect that does not require intervention beyond client reassurance.
C. Measure the client's urinary output: Monitoring urinary output is important in cases of suspected dehydration or renal dysfunction, but simply darker urine without changes in volume or symptoms does not justify additional measurement in this scenario.
D. Encourage an increase in oral intake: While adequate hydration is always encouraged, the urine color change reported here is due to the medication itself, not dehydration. Therefore, increasing fluid intake will not reverse or prevent the discoloration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. May stop taking medication if no symptoms of GI discomfort: Pantoprazole is prescribed prophylactically in burn clients to prevent stress ulcers, not just to treat existing symptoms. Stopping it without medical advice could increase the risk of serious complications like gastric bleeding.
B. Explain that pantoprazole may be taken with or without food: Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), can be taken without regard to meals. Educating the client on flexible timing improves adherence and reduces confusion about the medication regimen.
C. Teach the client about risk of developing a Curling's ulcer: Severe burns increase the risk of Curling’s ulcer, a stress-related gastric ulcer. Explaining this risk helps the client understand the preventative role of pantoprazole in their overall care plan.
D. Discuss the risk of gastric bleeding related to severe burns: Gastric bleeding is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication associated with stress ulcers in burn patients. Teaching the client about this risk provides a clear rationale for continuing pantoprazole therapy.
E. Tell how pantoprazole effectively heals ulcers: While pantoprazole can treat ulcers, in this case it is prescribed to prevent ulcer formation rather than to heal an existing ulcer. The teaching should focus on prevention, not healing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Consult with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats: Risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach with water for proper absorption. Taking it after eating would severely reduce its effectiveness, making pharmacist consultation unnecessary at this point.
B. Assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low fat milk: Milk contains calcium, which can bind to risedronate and interfere with its absorption. Providing milk at the time of administration would make the medication much less effective in treating osteoporosis.
C. Withhold the medication until the client's breakfast tray is available on the unit: Administering risedronate with or immediately after food would impair absorption. Delaying the dose until after breakfast would not meet the medication's requirements for maximum efficacy.
D. Instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication: Risedronate should be taken with a full glass of plain water while fasting to ensure proper absorption. After administration, the client should also remain upright for at least 30 minutes to reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
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