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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A. Review most recent coagulation laboratory values: Checking coagulation studies like INR, PT, or aPTT is essential to assess the client's bleeding risk and determine if the anticoagulant effect is too strong, helping guide further medical management.

B. Report findings to healthcare provider (HCP): Bleeding gums and easy bruising are signs of excessive anticoagulation, which could become life-threatening. Promptly notifying the HCP allows for immediate evaluation and possible adjustment of the medication.

C. Complete a medication variance report: A medication variance report is appropriate when there is an error in prescribing, dispensing, or administering. Since this appears to be a medication side effect rather than an error, a variance report is not needed at this stage.

D. Obtain a soft bristle toothbrush for client: Using a soft toothbrush minimizes trauma to the gums, helping to reduce the risk of further bleeding while still maintaining oral hygiene, an important supportive intervention for clients on anticoagulants.

E. Provide a PRN nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) for gum discomfort: NSAIDs increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in clients taking anticoagulants. Treating discomfort with NSAIDs could worsen bleeding complications rather than relieve them safely.

A. Avoid driving or operating machinery. B. Take a missed dose as soon as possible. C. Standing slowly when getting up from bed. D. Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Avoid driving or operating machinery: Drowsiness and dizziness can occur with atenolol, especially when initiating therapy, but these effects are usually mild. While it's reasonable to use caution initially, this is not the most critical teaching point compared to orthostatic safety.

B. Take a missed dose as soon as possible: Although this may seem helpful, patients should not double doses or take extra doses close together. If a significant amount of time has passed, the missed dose may need to be skipped to prevent bradycardia or hypotension.

C. Standing slowly when getting up from bed: Atenolol, a beta-blocker, can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults. Teaching the client to rise slowly helps reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, making this a high-priority safety instruction following discharge.

D. Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages: Alcohol may enhance the hypotensive effects of beta-blockers, but moderate consumption is not strictly contraindicated. This advice is relevant but less urgent than preventing injury from orthostatic hypotension.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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