A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levadopa [Sinemet]. Which of the following side effects does the nurse recognize can occur with this medication?
Jaundice
Hyperglycemia
Hypertension
Orthostatic hypotension
The Correct Answer is D
A) Jaundice:
Carbidopa-levodopa works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it is not typically associated with liver dysfunction that would lead to jaundice. If jaundice were to occur, it could indicate liver problems, which would need to be evaluated further, but this is not a typical side effect of Sinemet.
B) Hyperglycemia:
Sinemet primarily affects dopamine levels in the brain and does not have a direct impact on blood sugar regulation. However, long-term use of certain medications, especially corticosteroids or other specific treatments, can affect glucose levels, but carbidopa-levodopa is not typically linked to hyperglycemia.
C) Hypertension:
Carbidopa-levodopa may lead to fluctuations in blood pressure, including lowering blood pressure, especially when the patient is changing positions. However, hypertension is not a typical response to this medication. Instead, patients may experience orthostatic hypotension, which is more common with carbidopa-levodopa.
D) Orthostatic hypotension:
Orthostatic hypotension is a well-recognized and common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. This occurs because Sinemet affects the autonomic nervous system, which can cause a decrease in blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. Patients on carbidopa-levodopa should be advised to rise slowly to minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting due to orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypertension:
Hypertension is not directly related to the rhythm displayed in the image. The rhythm is suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AF), characterized by irregular and chaotic electrical activity, leading to irregular heartbeats. Hypertension can be a risk factor for AF but is not a typical presenting symptom.
B. Indigestion:
Indigestion is a non-specific symptom that may occur in cardiac events like myocardial infarction but is not a hallmark of atrial fibrillation. The rhythm strip does not indicate myocardial ischemia.
C. Eupnea:
Eupnea refers to normal breathing, which is not commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. Clients with AF may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue rather than normal, unlabored breathing.
D. Irregular palpitations:
This is the most expected finding. Atrial fibrillation leads to an irregularly irregular pulse, which patients often describe as palpitations. This rhythm strip demonstrates the hallmark chaotic atrial activity and irregular ventricular response seen in AF.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Class II:
According to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification of heart failure, Class II is characterized by slight limitation in physical activity. Patients in this class are comfortable at rest but experience symptoms (such as fatigue, palpitations, or shortness of breath) during ordinary physical activity. This description fits the client's reported symptoms, which include comfort at rest and the onset of symptoms with routine activity, such as walking or climbing stairs.
B) Class IV:
Class IV is the most severe stage of heart failure. Patients in this class are unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort and experience symptoms at rest, such as shortness of breath or fatigue. The symptoms do not improve with rest, and even minimal exertion exacerbates the condition.
C) Class I:
Class I heart failure is characterized by no limitation in physical activity. Patients in this class are able to carry out ordinary physical activity without fatigue, palpitations, or dyspnea. Since this client experiences symptoms with ordinary activity, they do not meet this criteria.
D) Class III:
Class III represents patients with marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest, but less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitations, or shortness of breath. While this client does report symptoms with ordinary physical activity, Class III patients experience greater limitation in activity than described in this scenario. The client in this case only has slight limitation with ordinary activity, so Class III does not apply.
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