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

A. Explore what the client means by the drug not working: The first step is to clarify the client’s concerns to determine if they are referring to symptom persistence, delayed onset of action, or wearing-off effects. Understanding the client’s perspective helps guide further assessment and ensures that any interventions address the specific issue. B. Ask if his morning voiding is dark colored: Dark urine can occur with levodopa use due to harmless pigmentation changes, but this does not relate directly to the medication’s perceived effectiveness. This question would not be the priority when a client expresses concerns about the drug working. C. Determine if the client is taking the medication before meals: Levodopa absorption can be reduced by high-protein foods, so timing with meals matters. However, this assessment is best done after clarifying exactly what the client means by the medication “not working.” D. Evaluate the client for signs of dyskinesia: Dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term levodopa use, usually occurring after extended therapy. In a newly diagnosed client, the immediate priority is to clarify their statement before focusing on side effect assessment.