The nurse is teaching a patient who has Parkinson's disease about the side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
"I may experience urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation."
"I may feel dizzy at first, but this side effect will go away with time."
"I should report nightmares and mental disturbances to my provider."
"I should take the drug with food to increase absorption."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "I may experience urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation."
This statement is accurate. Urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation are common side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. The patient should be aware of these potential side effects and report them to the healthcare provider if they become problematic.
B. "I may feel dizzy at first, but this side effect will go away with time."
This statement is accurate. Dizziness is a common initial side effect of carbidopa-levodopa, and it often improves with continued use. The patient should be encouraged to report persistent dizziness to the healthcare provider.
C. "I should report nightmares and mental disturbances to my provider."
This statement is accurate. Nightmares and mental disturbances can be side effects of carbidopa-levodopa. The patient should report these symptoms to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential adjustments to the medication.
D. "I should take the drug with food to increase absorption."
This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Carbidopa-levodopa is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Taking it with food, especially high-protein meals, can reduce its absorption. The patient should be instructed to take the medication at least 30 minutes before meals or one to two hours after meals for optimal effectiveness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Call the health care provider immediately to change the medication to oral.
Changing the medication to oral may not address the immediate issue of the burning sensation and feeling of heat at the IV site. This option focuses on changing the route of administration rather than addressing the current discomfort.
B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient.
Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's discomfort could lead to potential complications, and it is important to prioritize patient comfort and safety. Reassurance alone may not be sufficient if there is an issue with the IV site.
C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion.
While flushing the line with normal saline is a good practice to ensure patency, it may not resolve the issue if there is ongoing irritation or infiltration at the site. Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's complaint might lead to further discomfort.
D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site.
This is the best action. Discontinuing the IV allows the nurse to assess the current site for signs of infiltration or irritation. Restarting the IV in a different site addresses the immediate issue, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Parkinson's disease
Edrophonium is not used for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. The diagnosis is typically based on clinical symptoms and neurological examination.
B. Alzheimer's disease
Edrophonium is not used for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting cognition. The diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, cognitive assessments, and sometimes imaging studies, but not the use of edrophonium.
C. Myasthenia Gravis
This is the correct choice. Edrophonium is used as a diagnostic tool in Myasthenia Gravis. In individuals with Myasthenia Gravis, the administration of edrophonium can lead to a temporary improvement in muscle strength, helping to confirm the diagnosis.
D. Serotonin Syndrome
Edrophonium is not used for the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a condition caused by an excess of serotonin, often due to the use of certain medications. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and a history of serotonin-affecting medications, not the administration of edrophonium.

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