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 C
Explanation
A. When using the discus, have the client breathe out rapidly into the mouthpiece: Clients should exhale away from the mouthpiece before inhaling the medication. Breathing out into the mouthpiece can blow away the powdered medication, making the dose ineffective.
B. Offer the discus to the client for use during an acute asthma attack: Fluticasone and salmeterol are used for long-term control of asthma, not for immediate relief during an acute attack. A short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol is needed for acute symptom management.
C. Explain that the client should not use the discus more than twice daily: The fluticasone/salmeterol combination is typically prescribed for use twice daily. Exceeding the recommended frequency increases the risk of side effects such as throat irritation, infections, and cardiovascular effects.
D. Clients using the discus may experience decreased blood pressure: While beta-agonists can sometimes have cardiovascular effects, salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist primarily targeting the airways. Decreased blood pressure is not a common or expected side effect of fluticasone/salmeterol inhalers. Increased heart rate or palpitations are more potential cardiovascular effects, but significant hypotension is unlikely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Take the medication an hour after antacids: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of cimetidine, so spacing them apart is a correct approach. This statement indicates appropriate understanding of medication timing and does not require further instruction.
B. Notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of lethargy: Cimetidine can cause central nervous system effects like confusion or lethargy, particularly in older adults or those with renal impairment. Reporting such symptoms is appropriate and reflects safe medication awareness.
C. Monitor for any signs of sexual dysfunction: Cimetidine has been associated with gynecomastia, decreased libido, and impotence in some cases. The client should be aware of and monitor for these potential effects.
D. Decrease cigarette use to a pack per day: Smoking impairs ulcer healing and increases gastric acid secretion, which can counteract the effects of cimetidine. Reducing to a pack per day is still harmful; the client should be encouraged to stop smoking entirely, not just cut back.
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