When a patient is taking an anticholinergic such as benztropine as part of the treatment for Parkinson's disease, the nurse should include which information in the teaching plan?
Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug.
Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur.
Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.
Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug: Increasing fluid intake is actually recommended to manage potential constipation, another common side effect of anticholinergic medications.
B. Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur: Discontinuing medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not advisable. Patients should be educated to report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption: Benztropine is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach upset.
D. Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth: Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect. Stimulating saliva production with these measures can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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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