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?

Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider of the carbamazepine level is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant drug that requires close monitoring of its serum levels to ensure therapeutic and safe effects. The normal reference range for carbamazepine is 4 to 12 mcg/mL or 16.9 to 50.8 mmol/L. A level of 84 mcg/L (35.6 mmol/L) is significantly higher than the upper limit and indicates toxicity. The nurse should report this finding to the prescriber immediately and hold the dose until further instructions.

Choice B reason: Administering the carbamazepine as prescribed is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Giving the evening dose of carbamazepine when the morning level is already toxic can worsen the client's condition and cause serious adverse effects, such as confusion, drowsiness, ataxia, nystagmus, or coma. The nurse should not administer the medication without consulting the prescriber.

Choice C reason: Assessing the client for side effects of carbamazepine is an important action for the nurse to take, but it is not the most appropriate one. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of carbamazepine toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, or seizures. However, this action alone is not sufficient to address the problem. The nurse should also notify the prescriber and withhold the dose.

Choice D reason: Withholding this dose of the carbamazepine is a necessary action for the nurse to take, but it is not the most appropriate one. The nurse should not give the evening dose of carbamazepine when the morning level is already toxic, as this can increase the risk of complications. However, this action alone is not enough to resolve the issue. The nurse should also notify the prescriber and follow the appropriate interventions.

Choice A reason: Using the eye drops until the excess pressure is reduced is not an accurate response, as it implies that the eye drops are only a temporary treatment. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that causes increased pressure in the eye due to impaired drainage of the aqueous humor. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The client will need to use the eye drops for the rest of their life, unless the healthcare provider advises otherwise.

Choice B reason: Using the eye drops for long-term control of pain and swelling is not an accurate response, as it does not address the main goal of the treatment. Open-angle glaucoma does not usually cause pain or swelling, as the pressure builds up gradually and painlessly. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent vision loss, not to relieve inflammation or discomfort.

Choice C reason: Using the eye drops until a smaller angle can be restored is not an accurate response, as it confuses open-angle glaucoma with closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a wide and open angle between the iris and the cornea, which allows the aqueous humor to flow freely. Closed-angle glaucoma is characterized by a narrow or closed angle that blocks the drainage of the aqueous humor. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, not to change the angle of the eye.

Choice D reason: Using the eye drops for long-term control of normal eye pressure is the most accurate response, as it reflects the purpose and duration of the treatment. Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. The eye drops are used to lower the eye pressure and prevent vision loss, which can occur if the pressure is too high for too long. The client should use the eye drops as prescribed and follow up with the healthcare provider regularly.