The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving trihexyphenidyl (Artane) to treat parkinsonism. The patient reports having a dry mouth, and the nurse notes a urine output of 300 mL in the past 8 hours. Which action will the nurse perform?
a. Encourage increased oral fluids.
b. Obtain an order for intravenous fluids.
c. Report the urine output to the provider.
d. Request an order for renal function tests.
ANS: C
Urinary retention can occur with anticholinergic medications. Dry mouth is a harmless side effect. The nurse should report the lower than expected urine output to the provider. Increasing fluid intake will not increase urine output in the patient with urinary retention. Renal function tests are not indicated since this is a neuromuscular problem of the bladder caused by the medication.
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