Patient Data

Exhibits

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According to the information gathered in the nurse's assessment, the nurse should prepare to give the client

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and

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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.

A. Document the client's refusal of the medication at this time: While documentation is necessary if a medication is refused, the priority is to educate the client first. The nurse should explain the proper timing of sucralfate to promote understanding and adherence rather than simply accepting refusal.

B. Explain the need to take the medication at least 1 hour before meals: Sucralfate acts by forming a protective barrier over ulcerated mucosa and must be taken on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness. Administering it one hour before meals ensures the stomach lining is properly coated before food intake.

C. Allow the client to take the medication up to 1 hour after breakfast: Taking sucralfate after a meal diminishes its ability to bind effectively to the mucosa. Food interferes with its action, so post-meal dosing is inappropriate for achieving therapeutic benefit.

D. Instruct the client to take it when the meal tray is delivered: Taking sucralfate at mealtime is too late for optimal therapeutic effect. At that point, gastric contents may interfere with its binding to ulcerated areas, reducing its protective action.