A nurse is developing home care instructions for a client with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which intervention should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Overall fluid intake should not be limited. In fact, increasing fluid intake is generally recommended to help flush out the urinary system and prevent the formation of new stones. Adequate hydration is key to preventing urinary tract calculi.

Choice B reason: Citrus fruit juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice, should be limited because they can increase the acidity of the urine. High acidity can contribute to the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly uric acid stones. Limiting citrus fruit juices can help reduce the risk of stone recurrence.

Choice C reason: Low-sodium sodas are generally better than regular sodas, but it is important to note that many sodas, even low-sodium ones, contain high levels of phosphates and other substances that can contribute to kidney stone formation. While low-sodium sodas are a better option, the primary focus should be on overall healthy fluid choices.

Choice D reason: Tea and hot chocolate should be limited due to their oxalate content. Oxalates can bind with calcium in the urine to form calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones. Limiting the intake of tea and hot chocolate can help reduce the risk of stone formation.

Choice A reason: This option has some errors in the text. The correct explanation should note that carbidopa-levodopa does help reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson's disease, but it primarily works by increasing dopamine levels rather than by assisting other medications. The choice does not clearly state the main mechanism of action of carbidopa-levodopa.

Choice B reason: Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination drug used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels. Carbidopa helps to prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain. This increases the amount of dopamine available, which is crucial for muscle function and reducing symptoms like tremors and rigidity.

Choice C reason: This option is incorrect because carbidopa-levodopa does not work by reducing inflammation. Instead, it focuses on restoring the balance of dopamine in the brain. Parkinson's disease is primarily a neurodegenerative disorder, not an inflammatory one, so this explanation does not align with the drug's mechanism of action.

Choice D reason: This option is also incorrect as it suggests that carbidopa-levodopa works by slowing the degeneration of the myelin sheath. Parkinson's disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, not the degeneration of myelin. Therefore, this explanation does not accurately reflect the drug's purpose or mechanism.