Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease ( 8 Questions)

A nurse is caring for a client who has Parkinson's disease (PD) and is prescribed levodopa-carbidopa. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the client about taking this medication?


Correct Answer: B

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa with food to prevent nausea and vomiting. This is not an effective way to prevent these side effects, as food, especially protein-rich food, can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa. The nurse should advise the client to take levodopa-carbidopa on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa at the same time every day to maintain a steady level. Levodopa-carbidopa is a combination medication that increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that is deficient in PD and affects movement and cognition. Levodopa-carbidopa should be taken at regular intervals to prevent fluctuations in dopamine levels and avoid "wearing-off" or "on-off" phenomena, which are periods of reduced or enhanced response to the medication.

Choice C reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa with a glass of milk to enhance absorption. This is not an effective way to enhance absorption, as milk, especially dairy products, can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa. The nurse should advise the client to avoid dairy products or limit their intake when taking levodopa-carbidopa.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa as needed when they have symptoms of PD. This is not an appropriate way to take levodopa-carbidopa, as it can cause erratic changes in dopamine levels and worsen the symptoms and progression of PD. The nurse should advise the client to take levodopa-carbidopa as prescribed by their provider and not to skip or adjust doses without consulting their provider.




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