A nurse is assessing a client who has Parkinson's disease (PD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa with food to prevent nausea and vomiting. This is not an effective way to prevent these side effects, as food, especially protein-rich food, can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa. The nurse should advise the client to take levodopa-carbidopa on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa at the same time every day to maintain a steady level. Levodopa-carbidopa is a combination medication that increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that is deficient in PD and affects movement and cognition. Levodopa-carbidopa should be taken at regular intervals to prevent fluctuations in dopamine levels and avoid "wearing-off" or "on-off" phenomena, which are periods of reduced or enhanced response to the medication.

Choice C reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa with a glass of milk to enhance absorption. This is not an effective way to enhance absorption, as milk, especially dairy products, can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa. The nurse should advise the client to avoid dairy products or limit their intake when taking levodopa-carbidopa.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not instruct the client to take levodopa-carbidopa as needed when they have symptoms of PD. This is not an appropriate way to take levodopa-carbidopa, as it can cause erratic changes in dopamine levels and worsen the symptoms and progression of PD. The nurse should advise the client to take levodopa-carbidopa as prescribed by their provider and not to skip or adjust doses without consulting their provider.

Choice A reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to maintain a consistent daily routine and environment, as this can help reduce anxiety, agitation, or disorientation in clients who have AD. AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, language, reasoning, judgment, and other cognitive abilities. Maintaining a consistent daily routine and environment can provide structure, familiarity, and security for the client.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to use memory aids such as calendars, clocks, or lists, as this can help enhance memory and orientation in clients who have AD. Memory aids can provide cues or reminders for the client about important information such as dates, events, tasks, or names.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to engage in physical and mental activities that are enjoyable and stimulating, as this can help preserve cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Physical and mental activities can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, stimulate neural connections, enhance mood and self-esteem, and prevent boredom and depression.

Choice D reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not advise the client and their caregiver to avoid social interactions that may cause stress or confusion, as this can have negative effects on cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Social interactions can provide emotional support, companionship, communication skills, and cognitive stimulation for the client. The nurse should encourage the client and their caregiver to maintain social contacts and participate in activities that are appropriate for the client's level of functioning and interest.

Choice E reason:

This is an incorrect answer. The nurse should not advise the client and their caregiver to limit fluid intake and caffeine consumption, as this can have negative effects on cognitive function and well-being in clients who have AD. Fluid intake and caffeine consumption are not directly related to the cause or progression of AD, and limiting them can cause dehydration, constipation, or headaches. The nurse should advise the client and their caregiver to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition for the client and avoid substances that may interfere with sleep quality or medication effectiveness, such as alcohol or nicotine.