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 C
Explanation
A. CT of the brain can proceed regardless of atropine administration, as it does not directly affect the assessment of brain stem reflexes.
B. Electroencephalogram (EEG) can also proceed regardless of atropine administration, as it evaluates brain electrical activity rather than brain stem reflexes.
C. Assessment of brain stem reflexes should be postponed until all atropine is excreted and no
longer exerting its effects. Atropine can mask or alter the pupillary response and other brain stem reflexes, such as gag reflex and cough reflex, which are important indicators of neurological function.
D. Pupil response assessment should be postponed until atropine effects have dissipated, as
atropine can cause pupillary dilation, which may interfere with accurate assessment of pupil size and reactivity
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assessment of the patient's pain level: While pain assessment is important, the patient's lethargy and shallow respirations indicate a potential opioid overdose, which takes priority.
B. Close observation of signs of opioid tolerance: The patient's symptoms are indicative of opioid overdose, not tolerance.
C. Immediate intubation and artificial ventilation: While respiratory support may eventually be necessary if the patient's condition deteriorates further, administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects is the initial priority.
D. Administration of naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors, which can rapidly restore normal respiratory function and
consciousness in patients experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression.
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