A nurse is examining the urine output of a client with Parkinson’s disease who is on the medication Levodopa. Which of the following is a common observation for a client on this medication?
The urine may be brown or black.
The urine may be orange or orange-red.
The urine may be green or blue-green.
The urine may be blood-tinged.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Brown or black urine is not a typical observation associated with Levodopa use. It can indicate other potential causes, such as: Dehydration
Liver disease
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Certain medications like metronidazole or iron supplements
Hematuria (blood in the urine)
It's essential to rule out these conditions if brown or black urine is observed.
Choice C rationale:
Green or blue-green urine is also not common with Levodopa. It can be caused by:
Medications like amitriptyline, indomethacin, propofol, or methylene blue
Certain food dyes
Urinary tract infections caused by Pseudomonas bacteria
Familial benign hypercalcemia (a rare genetic condition)
Choice D rationale:
Blood-tinged urine (hematuria) is not a direct effect of Levodopa. It can signal underlying urinary tract issues, such as: Infections
Kidney stones
Bladder or kidney tumors
Trauma to the urinary tract
Strenuous exercise
Choice B rationale:
Orange or orange-red urine is the most common observation in patients taking Levodopa. This discoloration is due to: Breakdown of Levodopa into dopamine and other metabolites
These metabolites can impart an orange or reddish hue to the urine
The color intensity may vary depending on dosage and individual metabolism
It's generally harmless and doesn't require medical intervention
However, it's essential to inform healthcare providers about any urine color changes to ensure proper monitoring and rule out other potential causes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Impaired cognitive and motor function:
Anesthesia and analgesic medications used during surgery can significantly impair cognitive and motor skills, even if the patient feels alert and capable. These effects can last for several hours or even days after the procedure, making it unsafe for the patient to drive.
Studies have shown that reaction time, judgment, coordination, and visual acuity can be significantly impaired following surgery, even in patients who report feeling normal.
Driving under the influence of these medications poses a serious risk of accidents and injuries, both to the patient and other road users.
Risk of postoperative complications:
Postoperative complications, such as bleeding, nausea, vomiting, pain, or dizziness, can occur unexpectedly and may require immediate attention.
Driving while experiencing these complications can be extremely dangerous and could delay necessary medical intervention.
It's crucial for the patient to have a responsible adult present to monitor their condition and seek medical assistance if needed. Legal and liability considerations:
Many healthcare facilities have strict policies prohibiting patients from driving after surgery due to liability concerns.
If a patient were to be involved in an accident while driving after surgery, the facility could be held liable for not ensuring the patient's safety and preventing them from driving.
Choice B rationale:
Inadequate guidance: Simply stating that no specific information is necessary fails to address the potential risks associated with driving after surgery.
Patient safety: It's the nurse's responsibility to provide clear and comprehensive discharge instructions that prioritize patient safety.
Omission of crucial information: Omitting information about transportation could lead to misunderstandings and potentially unsafe actions by the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Unreliable self-assessment: Relying on the patient's self-assessment of dizziness is not a reliable method to determine their fitness to drive.
Residual effects of medication: Patients may not fully perceive the subtle effects of anesthesia and medications on their cognitive and motor skills.
Potential for delayed impairment: Symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness could manifest later, even if the patient initially feels well.
Choice D rationale:
Age not a sole determinant: While age can be a factor in driving ability, it's not the sole determinant of fitness to drive after surgery.
Individual differences: Patients of any age can experience cognitive and motor impairment following surgery.
Oversimplification of risks: This choice inaccurately suggests that only individuals under 25 are at risk, potentially leading to unsafe decisions by older patients.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While independence is a valuable quality for nurses, it's not the most essential quality for leadership. Effective leaders must be able to collaborate with others, delegate tasks, and build consensus. They must also be able to recognize when they need to seek help or guidance from others.
Choice B rationale:
Physical stamina is important for nurses, as they often work long hours and are on their feet for extended periods. However, it's not the most essential quality for leadership. Leaders need to be able to think clearly, make decisions under pressure, and motivate others, even when they are tired or stressed.
Choice C rationale:
Flexibility is essential for nursing leaders because the healthcare environment is constantly changing. Leaders must be able to adapt to new situations, challenges, and demands. They must also be able to adjust their leadership style to meet the needs of different individuals and teams.
Here are some examples of how flexibility is essential for nursing leaders:
Managing change: Leaders must be able to effectively manage change, such as new policies, procedures, or technologies. They need to be able to communicate changes clearly, provide support to staff, and ensure that changes are implemented smoothly.
Dealing with conflict: Leaders must be able to resolve conflicts effectively, whether between staff members, patients, or families. They need to be able to listen to different perspectives, identify common ground, and find solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
Adapting to different personalities: Leaders must be able to work with a variety of personalities and work styles. They need to be able to adjust their communication style, provide feedback, and motivate individuals in a way that is tailored to their needs.
Responding to crises: Leaders must be able to act quickly and decisively in crisis situations. They need to be able to assess the situation, make decisions, and take action to protect the safety of patients and staff.
Choice D rationale:
Vulnerability can be a valuable quality for leaders, as it can help to build trust and rapport with others. However, it's not the most essential quality for leadership. Leaders need to be able to balance vulnerability with strength and confidence.
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