The nurse is assessing a client who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is taking carbidopa-levodopa. The client is concerned that the medication is not working. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Ask if the client’s morning voids are dark colored.

Evaluate the client for signs of dyskinesia.

Determine if the client is taking the medication before meals.

Explore what the client means by the drug “is not working.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Ask if the client’s morning voids are dark colored:
This intervention pertains to monitoring for potential adverse effects of carbidopa-levodopa, such as urine discoloration due to the breakdown of levodopa into dopamine. However, it does not directly address the client’s concern about the medication not working. While assessing for adverse effects is important, it may not provide immediate insight into the effectiveness of the medication in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

B) Evaluate the client for signs of dyskinesia:
Dyskinesia refers to involuntary, abnormal movements that can occur as a side effect of long-term treatment with carbidopa-levodopa. While assessing for dyskinesia is essential during the management of Parkinson’s disease, it does not directly address the client’s immediate concern about the medication’s efficacy. It would be more appropriate to address the client’s primary concern first before assessing for potential adverse effects.

C) Determine if the client is taking the medication before meals:
The timing of medication administration, particularly with carbidopa-levodopa, can affect its absorption and effectiveness. Taking the medication with or without food can influence its onset of action and duration of effect. However, this intervention assumes that the client may not be taking the medication correctly, which may not necessarily be the case. It’s important to first clarify the client’s perception of the medication’s effectiveness before addressing administration instructions.

D) Explore what the client means by the drug “is not working.”
This option is correct. The nurse should prioritize exploring the client’s perception of the medication’s efficacy. Understanding the client’s specific concerns, such as which symptoms are not adequately controlled or how they define “not working,” can provide valuable information for further assessment and intervention. By actively listening to the client’s perspective, the nurse can collaboratively address any misconceptions, adjust the treatment plan if necessary, and provide education or reassurance accordingly.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Allow the client to take the medication up to 1 hour after breakfast:
Administering sucralfate up to 1 hour after breakfast may not provide optimal effectiveness as it should ideally be taken on an empty stomach to form a protective barrier over irritated areas in the stomach and intestines before food intake. Taking it after breakfast might not allow sufficient time for the medication to coat these areas adequately.

B) Instruct the client to take it when the meal tray is delivered:
Taking sucralfate with meals or when the meal tray is delivered is not recommended as food can interfere with its effectiveness. It is best taken on an empty stomach to allow it to coat the stomach lining without interference from food, ensuring maximum therapeutic benefit.

C) Document the client's refusal of the medication at this time:
Documenting a refusal should only be done if the client declines after receiving appropriate education and understanding. Simply refusing the client's request without providing education on the proper timing for taking sucralfate would not be appropriate.

D) Explain the need to take the medication at least 1 hour before meals:
This is the correct response. Educating the client about the importance of taking sucralfate at least 1 hour before meals ensures optimal effectiveness. This timing allows the medication to form a protective barrier over irritated areas in the stomach and intestines before food intake, maximizing its therapeutic benefit.

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver 200 mL/hr.

Although the medication dosage is 400 mg, the infusion pump rate is determined by the total volume of the IV fluid (including the medication) and the desired infusion time.

In this case:

Total volume of IV bag (D,W): 200 mL

Infusion time: 1 hour

Since the medication is already diluted in the 200 mL bag, the entire volume needs to be delivered over the course of the hour. Therefore, the nurse should program the pump to deliver the full 200 mL of the solution at a rate of:

200 mL / 1 hour = 200 mL/hr

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The nurse is assessing a client who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is taking carbidopa-levodopa. The client is concerned that the medication is not working. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is administering sucralfate to a client with stomatitis secondary to chemotherapy. The client wants to take the medication after breakfast. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg intravenously (IV) every 12 hours to be infused over an hour. The IV bag contains ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D,W) 200 mL. The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Enter numerical value only.)

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

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