When teaching a client taking benztropine for Parkinson's disease, what should the nurse instruct the client to report?

When instructing a client taking benztropine for Parkinson's disease, it is essential to recognize that this medication is an anticholinergic agent used to help manage symptoms of the disease, particularly muscle rigidity and tremors. Benztropine can affect various body systems, potentially leading to side effects such as urinary retention.

Therefore, clients should be educated to report any difficulty voiding. This is crucial because urinary retention can lead to discomfort and potential complications, such as urinary tract infections. Addressing any difficulties in urination promptly enables healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans effectively or provide additional supportive care if needed.

While other symptoms like fatigue levels, increased tremors, or mood changes are also important to discuss with a client on benztropine, the specific emphasis on difficulty voiding highlights the direct impact of the medication on autonomic functions and the need for careful monitoring in this aspect.