A patient has been given a prescription for levodopa-carbidopa for a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The patient asks the nurse, "Why are there two drugs in this pill?" The nurse's best response reflects which fact?
Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery.
Carbidopa is the biologic precursor of dopamine and can penetrate into the central nervous system.
Carbidopa allows for larger doses of levodopa to be given.
There are concerns about drug-food interactions with levodopa therapy that do not exist with the combination therapy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery, specifically in the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral tissues, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and be converted to dopamine. This enhances the effectiveness of levodopa therapy in managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
B. Carbidopa is not the biologic precursor of dopamine. It is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
C. Carbidopa does not directly allow for larger doses of levodopa to be given. However, by
inhibiting the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, it enhances the availability of levodopa to the central nervous system, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.
D. While levodopa-carbidopa combination therapy may have fewer drug-food interactions compared to levodopa alone, the primary reason for combining these medications is to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its peripheral breakdown.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diarrhea is not typically associated with ergotamine toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are more common adverse effects of ergotamine use.
B. Delirium is a potential sign of ergotamine toxicity. At toxic levels, ergotamine can cause central nervous system symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and delirium.
C. Hypotension may occur as an adverse effect of ergotamine due to its vasoconstrictive properties. However, hypotension alone may not indicate ergotamine toxicity.
D. Bradycardia is not a typical adverse effect of ergotamine. Ergotamine is more commonly associated with vasoconstriction and can lead to hypertension or tachycardia rather than bradycardia.
A. Diarrhea is not typically associated with ergotamine toxicity. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are more common adverse effects of ergotamine use.
B. Delirium is a potential sign of ergotamine toxicity. At toxic levels, ergotamine can cause central nervous system symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, and delirium.
C. Hypotension may occur as an adverse effect of ergotamine due to its vasoconstrictive properties. However, hypotension alone may not indicate ergotamine toxicity.
D. Bradycardia is not a typical adverse effect of ergotamine. Ergotamine is more commonly associated with vasoconstriction and can lead to hypertension or tachycardia rather than bradycardia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Menstrual cramps: Feverfew is commonly used as an herbal remedy for menstrual cramps and migraines due to its purported anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxant properties.
B. Constipation: Feverfew is not typically used to treat constipation.
C. Muscle aches: While feverfew may have some anti-inflammatory properties, it is not commonly used specifically for muscle aches.
D. Incision pain after surgery: Feverfew is not typically used to manage post-surgical pain.
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