An adult female patient is prescribed a 10-day course of nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI). On day 6, she calls the provider’s office and tells the nurse that her symptoms have resolved. She asks if she should continue the course of treatment.
What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

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.

Choice A rationale:
It is inappropriate and dismissive to tell a client who has experienced a traumatic loss that they should be grateful to be alive. This statement invalidates the client's feelings of grief and loss, and it can hinder the coping process.
It is important for nurses to recognize that grief is a normal and healthy response to loss.
Telling a client to be grateful can imply that their feelings of grief are not valid or that they are not coping appropriately. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, which can further complicate the grieving process.
Choice B rationale:
It is incorrect to label a client's grief as an abnormal or inappropriate response. Grief is a universal human experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Each individual grieves in their own way and at their own pace.
Some people may express their grief openly, while others may grieve more privately.
It is important for nurses to respect the client's individual grieving process and to provide support without judgment. Choice C rationale:
It is important for nurses to recognize that grief is a normal and healthy response to loss.
It is a natural process that allows individuals to come to terms with their loss and to adjust to life without their loved one or without a part of their body.
Experiencing grief does not mean that there is something wrong with the client.
In fact, it is a sign that the client is beginning to process their loss.
Choice D rationale:
While tissue healing is important, it is not the only factor that will help the client to adapt to their loss. The client will also need to address the emotional and psychological aspects of their loss.
This may involve talking about their feelings, seeking support from others, and finding ways to cope with their grief.