The practical nurse administered carbidopa-levodopa to a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which outcome by the client would indicate a therapeutic response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the expected therapeutic responses to medications is crucial for safe and effective nursing practice. In the case of carbidopa-levodopa administered to a client with Parkinson's disease, the correct answer is B) Lessening of tremors. This is because carbidopa-levodopa is a medication commonly used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, particularly tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with movement. A therapeutic response would be a reduction in the client's tremors, indicating that the medication is effectively addressing the symptoms of the disease. Option A) Decreased blood pressure is not a typical therapeutic response to carbidopa-levodopa and would not indicate an appropriate reaction to the medication in this context. Option C) Increased salivation is not a desired outcome and could potentially indicate adverse effects rather than a therapeutic response. Option D) Increased attention span is not directly related to the expected therapeutic effects of carbidopa-levodopa in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding pharmacological actions and expected outcomes of medications used in specific disease processes. By recognizing the therapeutic responses to medications, nurses can assess the effectiveness of treatment and ensure optimal patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, leading to increased potassium excretion and potentially causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac irregularities, making it crucial for the practical nurse to monitor the client for this electrolyte imbalance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client reports orange urine after taking rifampin is to inform the client that this change is not harmful. Rifampin is known to cause orange discoloration of urine, which is a harmless side effect. There is no need to notify the health care provider as this is an expected outcome. Monitoring creatinine levels or assessing for nephrotoxicity is unnecessary in this situation, as rifampin does not typically cause kidney damage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 60 beats/min for a 6-month-old infant warrants immediate intervention as it falls below the normal range. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-old is 80 to 150 beats/min when awake, and a rate of 70 beats/min while sleeping is considered within normal limits. Bradycardia (heart rate <60 beats/min) in infants can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking levodopa-carbidopa for Parkinson's disease is to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Levodopa-carbidopa should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset and improve absorption. Taking medication at bedtime is not necessary to avoid daytime drowsiness, and it is essential to prevent dehydration due to the medication's side effects.