A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease (AD). The client's family asks the nurse about the cause and progression of the disease. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

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. Resting tremor is a common symptom of PD, which occurs when the affected limb or body part shakes involuntarily at rest and stops with voluntary movement or sleep. Resting tremor usually affects one side of the body first and then progresses to both sides. It typically involves the hand, arm, leg, jaw, or tongue.

Choice B reason:

This is a correct answer. Muscle rigidity is another common symptom of PD, which occurs when there is increased resistance to passive movement of the joints due to sustained muscle contraction. Muscle rigidity can cause stiffness, pain, reduced range of motion, and difficulty initiating movement.

Choice C reason:

This is a correct answer. Bradykinesia is another common symptom of PD, which occurs when there is slowness or paucity of movement due to impaired initiation or execution of movement. Bradykinesia can affect various aspects of motor function, such as facial expression, speech, swallowing, gait, writing, dressing, and self-care.

Choice D reason:

This is a correct answer. Postural instability is another common symptom of PD, which occurs when there is impaired balance or coordination due to reduced postural reflexes or sensory feedback. Postural instability can cause falls, difficulty turning or changing direction, stooped posture, shuffling steps, or freezing episodes.

Choice E reason:

This is an incorrect answer. Nuchal rigidity is not a common symptom of PD, but rather a sign of meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nuchal rigidity occurs when there is stiffness or pain in the neck when flexing or extending it due to inflammation or irritation of the meninges or subarachnoid space.