Interpret these clinical findings and determine the nurse's next action.

Clinical Findings:

• Complaints of dizziness and unsteady gait.
• BP: 98/60 mmHg.
• Carbidopa-Levodopa last taken 30 minutes ago.

Choice A reason: Increasing serum potassium levels would not indicate effective therapy for a patient with Addison's disease. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating sodium and potassium balance. As a result, patients with Addison’s disease often experience hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Effective therapy typically aims to normalize potassium levels, so an increase would suggest inadequate treatment or worsening of the condition.
Choice B reason: Decreasing blood glucose levels would not typically be seen as a positive indicator in a patient with Addison's disease. The body’s ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels is compromised in Addison’s disease due to a deficiency in cortisol. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). If blood glucose levels are decreasing, it may indicate inadequate glucocorticoid replacement therapy, suggesting the therapy is not fully effective.
Choice C reason: Decreasing serum chloride levels would not be expected in a patient with Addison’s disease who is receiving proper treatment. Chloride is regulated alongside sodium and is influenced by aldosterone. In Addison's disease, aldosterone deficiency leads to a decreased ability to retain sodium, which in turn can affect chloride levels. However, a decrease in chloride levels alone is not a clear sign of effective therapy. Normalization of serum sodium levels is a better indicator of treatment success.
Choice D reason: Increasing serum sodium levels is the correct finding that indicates effective therapy in a patient with Addison’s disease. In this condition, aldosterone deficiency results in sodium loss through the kidneys, leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Effective therapy, which typically involves the administration of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids (such as fludrocortisone), helps to correct this imbalance by increasing sodium retention and normalizing serum sodium levels. This would demonstrate that the current therapies are working to restore the electrolyte balance.

Choice A reason: Low T4 levels do not indicate hyperthyroidism. In fact, low levels of T4 are typically associated with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Choice B reason: High T4 levels are indicative of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone (T4), leading to elevated T4 levels in the blood.
Choice C reason: Low TSH levels are also indicative of hyperthyroidism. The pituitary gland secretes TSH to regulate thyroid hormone production. When thyroid hormone levels are high, as in hyperthyroidism, the pituitary gland reduces TSH secretion, resulting in low TSH levels.
Choice D reason: High TSH levels are not associated with hyperthyroidism. Elevated TSH levels are more commonly seen in hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, and the pituitary gland compensates by increasing TSH production to stimulate the thyroid gland.