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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dobutamine is a sympathomimetic drug used to increase cardiac output in conditions such as heart failure. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
B. Atropine sulfate is the antidote for cholinergic drug overdose. It acts as a competitive antagonist to acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, counteracting the effects of excessive cholinergic stimulation.
C. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and certain cardiac conditions. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
D. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist used to stimulate bladder contractions in urinary retention. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose; in fact, it would exacerbate cholinergic effects.

A. "I know that I cannot switch brands of this medication." B. "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week." C. "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications." D. "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "I know that I cannot switch brands of this medication." - This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of consistency in medication use. Phenytoin requires consistent dosing and should not be switched between different brands without consulting a healthcare provider.
B. "I have made an appointment to see my dentist next week." - This statement shows awareness of the need for dental care while taking phenytoin. Phenytoin can cause gum hyperplasia, so regular dental check-ups are recommended.

C. "I will notify my doctor before taking any other medications." - This statement demonstrates understanding of the potential for drug interactions with phenytoin. Phenytoin can interact with many other medications, so it's crucial to consult a doctor before starting any new medications.
D. "I'll be glad when I can stop taking this medicine." - This statement indicates a

misunderstanding about the management of epilepsy. Phenytoin is typically a long-term medication used to control seizures, and it's not usually discontinued unless directed by a healthcare provider. Further teaching is needed to address this misconception.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has had an overdose of an intravenous cholinergic drug. The nurse expects to administer which drug as an antidote?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When evaluating a patient who is taking orlistat, which is an intended therapeutic effect?

A patient has been taking ergotamine to relieve their migraines. Which of the following adverse effects would indicate to the nurse that the drug may have entered into toxic levels?

A 29-year-old patient is admitted to the intensive care unit with the following symptoms: restlessness, hyperactive reflexes, talkativeness, confusion and periods of panic, and tachycardia. The nurse suspects that he may be experiencing the effects of taking which substance?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. On which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to instruct the client?

The opioid acetaminophen/hydrocodone is prescribed for a patient who has had surgery. The nurse informs the patient that which common adverse effects can occur with this medication? (Select all that apply.)

While being intubated, a client with a head injury experienced bradycardia. Atropine was consequently administered. What assessment should be postponed until all atropine is excreted and no longer exerting an effect?

A patient has been taking phenobarbital for 2 weeks as part of his therapy for epilepsy. He tells the nurse that he feels tense and that the least little thing bothers him now. Which is the correct explanation for this problem?