A client with Parkinson's disease is started on Levodopa with Carbidopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
"Carbidopa crosses the blood-brain barrier where it is then converted to dopamine."
"It may take weeks to begin seeing the effects of this medication."
“You will remain on the same dosage of this medication for the rest of your life."
"Levodopa protects carbidopa, preventing carbidopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Carbidopa itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Its primary role in Sinemet is to inhibit the peripheral breakdown of levodopa (the precursor of dopamine) into dopamine before it reaches the brain.
B. It is true that it may take a few weeks to see the full effects of this medication, as the body needs time to adjust to it.
C. Parkinson's disease is progressive, and as the disease advances, the dosage and frequency of levodopa with carbidopa may need to be adjusted to maintain symptom control. Over time, higher doses or additional medications may be required to manage symptoms effectively.
D. Levodopa does not protect Carbidopa; rather, Carbidopa protects Levodopa from early conversion to dopamine outside the brain, which would make it less effective.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Medicare does cover individuals under 65 years old who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and meet certain criteria.
B. There are programs that allow individuals with both Medicare and low income to qualify for Medicaid, which can help cover additional healthcare costs that Medicare may not fully cover.
C. While Medicare does provide significant coverage for healthcare services, it is not entirely free of out- of-pocket costs. Medicare Part A typically covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care services with no premiums for most people.
D. Medicare is indeed federally-funded health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with ESRD.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by bleeding under the skin. While petechiae can indicate bleeding, they are not specific to HIT and can occur due to various reasons, including low platelet count or coagulation disorders. They do not necessarily indicate thrombotic complications associated with HIT.
B. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for adults and does not directly correlate with HIT. However, it is important to monitor hemoglobin levels in patients with HIT due to the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
C. Bleeding gums can occur due to various reasons, including gum disease or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). In HIT, the concern is not just bleeding but also the paradoxical risk of thrombosis despite low platelet counts. Bleeding from mucosal surfaces can indicate underlying thrombocytopenia but does not specifically highlight the thrombotic risk of HIT.
D. This symptom is concerning for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a thrombotic complication associated with HIT. HIT predisposes patients to thrombosis due to the formation of antibodies against
platelet factor 4/heparin complexes, leading to platelet activation and clot formation. DVT is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE).
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