A client receives a prescription for penicillin G 1,000,000 units intramuscular (IM) daily. The medication is available in 1,200,000 units/2 mL syringe. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth.)

A) Monitoring blood pressure: Tamsulosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Monitoring blood pressure is important because tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose.
B) Assessing urine output: This is the correct answer. Tamsulosin can cause urinary retention, especially in patients with bladder outlet obstruction. Monitoring urine output helps assess for any signs of urinary retention or decreased urinary flow.
C) Obtaining daily weights: This is not typically necessary for monitoring the effects of tamsulosin. Changes in weight may occur due to other factors and are not directly related to the medication.
D) Performing a bladder scan: While performing a bladder scan may be indicated if there are specific concerns about urinary retention, assessing urine output is a more direct and immediate way to monitor for this adverse reaction.

A) Ask if the client’s morning voids are dark colored:
This intervention pertains to monitoring for potential adverse effects of carbidopa-levodopa, such as urine discoloration due to the breakdown of levodopa into dopamine. However, it does not directly address the client’s concern about the medication not working. While assessing for adverse effects is important, it may not provide immediate insight into the effectiveness of the medication in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

B) Evaluate the client for signs of dyskinesia:
Dyskinesia refers to involuntary, abnormal movements that can occur as a side effect of long-term treatment with carbidopa-levodopa. While assessing for dyskinesia is essential during the management of Parkinson’s disease, it does not directly address the client’s immediate concern about the medication’s efficacy. It would be more appropriate to address the client’s primary concern first before assessing for potential adverse effects.

C) Determine if the client is taking the medication before meals:
The timing of medication administration, particularly with carbidopa-levodopa, can affect its absorption and effectiveness. Taking the medication with or without food can influence its onset of action and duration of effect. However, this intervention assumes that the client may not be taking the medication correctly, which may not necessarily be the case. It’s important to first clarify the client’s perception of the medication’s effectiveness before addressing administration instructions.

D) Explore what the client means by the drug “is not working.”
This option is correct. The nurse should prioritize exploring the client’s perception of the medication’s efficacy. Understanding the client’s specific concerns, such as which symptoms are not adequately controlled or how they define “not working,” can provide valuable information for further assessment and intervention. By actively listening to the client’s perspective, the nurse can collaboratively address any misconceptions, adjust the treatment plan if necessary, and provide education or reassurance accordingly.