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: Measuring the client's urinary output is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Although urinary output is an important indicator of renal function, it is not related to the color change of the urine. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid balance as part of the routine care, but it is not a priority.

Choice B reason: Explaining the color change is normal is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Carbidopa/levodopa can cause the urine to become dark brown or black, which is a harmless side effect. The nurse should reassure the client that this is not a sign of a serious problem and does not affect the effectiveness of the medication.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a specimen for a urine culture is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. A urine culture is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is characterized by symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. The color change of the urine due to carbidopa/levodopa is not indicative of a UTI. The nurse should obtain a urine culture only if the client has signs or symptoms of a UTI.

Choice D reason: Encouraging an increase in oral intake is not the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Although adequate hydration is important for the client's health, it is not related to the color change of the urine. The nurse should encourage the client to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, but it is not a priority.

Choice A reason: This is not the best finding to indicate that the medication is effective. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue are subjective and nonspecific signs that may reflect the client's mood, activity, or sleep quality. They may also be influenced by other factors, such as nutrition, hydration, or stress. The nurse should monitor the client's subjective symptoms, but they are not the most reliable indicators of the medication's efficacy.

Choice B reason: This is not the best finding to indicate that the medication is effective. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron-rich foods, which is a positive dietary behavior that can help improve the client's iron status and prevent iron deficiency anemia. However, iron-rich foods are not sufficient to treat the anemia caused by CKD, which is due to the reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. The nurse should encourage the client to eat a balanced diet, but it is not the main factor that determines the medication's effectiveness.

Choice C reason: This is not the best finding to indicate that the medication is effective. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse effects, which is a recommended adjunctive treatment that can enhance the response to epoetin alfa and increase the hemoglobin levels. However, iron therapy alone is not enough to correct the anemia caused by CKD, and it may have some side effects, such as constipation, nausea, or abdominal pain. The nurse should ensure that the client takes the prescribed dose of iron and monitors for any adverse effects, but it is not the primary outcome that measures the medication's efficacy.

Choice D reason: This is the best finding to indicate that the medication is effective. Hemoglobin level increased to 12 g/dL (7.45 mmol/L), which is within the normal range for males and indicates that the anemia has improved. Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues, and it is the most objective and accurate indicator of the medication's efficacy. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells and increase the hemoglobin levels. The nurse should check the hemoglobin levels regularly and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider.