A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is starting to take carbidopa/levodopa to treat Parkinson’s disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
This medication can cause your urine to turn a dark color.
Expect immediate relief after taking this medication.
Take the medication with a high-protein food.
Skip a dose of the medication if you experience dizziness.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Carbidopa/levodopa can cause the urine to turn a dark color, such as red, brown, or black. This is a harmless side effect but can be alarming to patients if they are not forewarned. Informing patients about this potential change helps to prevent unnecessary concern.
Choice B Reason:
Expecting immediate relief after taking carbidopa/levodopa is not accurate. While some patients may experience symptom relief relatively quickly, it often takes several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be realized. Patients should be advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to communicate with their healthcare provider about their progress.
Choice C Reason:
Taking carbidopa/levodopa with high-protein food is not recommended. High-protein foods can interfere with the absorption of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. It is generally advised to take the medication on an empty stomach or with a low-protein snack.
Choice D Reason:
Skipping a dose of the medication if experiencing dizziness is not advisable. Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa/levodopa, but it should be managed by adjusting the dose or timing of the medication rather than skipping doses. Patients should discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider to find the best management strategy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decreasing leg strength is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and indicates the progression of muscle weakness. While it is concerning and should be monitored, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory complications.
Choice B Reason:
Decreasing voice volume can indicate involvement of the cranial nerves and potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a hallmark of GBS and are expected in the progression of the disease. While they should be documented and monitored, they do not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased sensation in the arms is another common symptom of GBS due to peripheral nerve involvement. It should be monitored, but it is not as urgent as signs of respiratory compromise.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Place several pillows behind the client’s head. This intervention is incorrect. Placing several pillows behind the client’s head can lead to neck flexion, which can increase intracranial pressure by obstructing venous outflow from the brain.
Choice B Reason
Place the client in a lateral semi-prone recumbent position. This position is not ideal for managing increased intracranial pressure. The optimal position is to keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees with the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage and reduce ICP.
Choice C Reason
Keep the client’s neck in a midline position. This is the correct intervention. Keeping the neck in a midline position helps to ensure proper venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing intracranial pressure. It is a standard practice in managing patients with elevated ICP.
Choice D Reason
Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90-degree angle. This intervention is incorrect. Flexion of the hips can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn can increase intracranial pressure. It is important to avoid hip flexion in patients with elevated ICP.
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