A client using amantadine reports urinary retention. What does this indicate?

Urinary retention occurring in a client taking amantadine is indicative of a common side effect of the medication. Amantadine is an antiviral drug that is also used as a treatment for certain neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease. One of the side effects associated with amantadine is its anticholinergic activity, which can lead to urinary retention by inhibiting bladder contractions and reducing the ability to urinate effectively.

While other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection, severe dehydration, or kidney failure, may also cause urinary retention as a symptom, in the context of a patient already on amantadine, it is essential to recognize that this specific side effect is consistent with the known pharmacological effects of the drug. Understanding the side effects of medications aids healthcare providers in monitoring and managing their patients' symptoms effectively.