A nurse is providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who is prescribed carbidopa/levodopa. What should be included in client teaching?
This is a safe medication that is associated with minimal side effects
Stop the medication if there is increased urination
Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension
Double the dose if a dose is missed at the next scheduled time
The Correct Answer is C
A. This is a safe medication that is associated with minimal side effects: Carbidopa/levodopa is an effective medication for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it is not without side effects. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dyskinesia (involuntary movements), and orthostatic hypotension. It is important to be honest with clients about the potential side effects and manage them proactively, rather than describing the medication as "safe with minimal side effects," which could lead to underestimating the risks.
B. Stop the medication if there is increased urination: Increased urination is not a common or typical side effect of carbidopa/levodopa. In fact, the medication is more likely to cause urinary retention or difficulty urinating in some cases. The client should not stop taking the medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Any urinary changes should be reported, but abrupt discontinuation of the medication is not advised without medical supervision.
C. Change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension: One of the common side effects of carbidopa/levodopa therapy is orthostatic hypotension, which occurs when a person experiences a drop in blood pressure upon standing up. This can lead to dizziness or fainting, increasing the risk of falls. The client should be educated to change positions slowly, such as sitting up slowly and standing up gradually from a lying position, to minimize the risk of orthostatic hypotension. This is a critical aspect of safety and should be emphasized as part of the teaching.
D. Double the dose if a dose is missed at the next scheduled time: Doubling the dose of carbidopa/levodopa if a dose is missed can lead to an overdose, which may cause serious side effects, including dyskinesias or other complications. Clients should be instructed to take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, they should skip the missed dose and continue with their regular dosing schedule. It is important to never double the dose without guidance from the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dextromethorphan 10 mg PO q 4 hr: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant, and while it may be useful for controlling a dry, non-productive cough, it is not appropriate for ineffective airway clearance in pneumonia. In fact, suppressing the cough in pneumonia could prevent the patient from clearing mucus from the airways, exacerbating the problem. It is more appropriate for a client who has a dry cough without significant mucus production.
B. Cromolyn MDI 2 puffs daily: Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer used for the prevention of asthma and allergy symptoms, and it is not typically used for treating pneumonia or ineffective airway clearance. It works by preventing the release of inflammatory mediators in response to allergens, but it does not address the issue of clearing mucus in the airways during a bacterial infection like pneumonia.
C. Guaifenesin 200 mg PO q 4 hr: Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier for the client to cough up and clear secretions. This is the most appropriate medication for addressing ineffective airway clearance in a client with pneumonia, as the goal is to facilitate the removal of mucus and improve respiratory function. Guaifenesin does not suppress the cough reflex but instead promotes productive coughing, which is essential for clearing the airways during a respiratory infection like pneumonia.
D. Methylprednisolone 30 mg IV BID: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and control severe allergic or inflammatory conditions. While corticosteroids may be used in certain cases of pneumonia (e.g., in cases of significant inflammation or an underlying condition like COPD), they are not the first-line treatment for ineffective airway clearance. The priority in this case is to promote mucus clearance, which is better addressed by guaifenesin.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encourage the daily use of the incentive spirometer: While the use of an incentive spirometer is important for improving lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, it may not be effective unless the client’s pain is well-managed. If pain is not addressed first, the client may be unable or unwilling to use the incentive spirometer properly, thus delaying recovery and increasing the risk of respiratory complications.
B. Assisting the client with ambulation in the hallway: Ambulation is an important post-operative activity for improving circulation and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pneumonia. However, the priority at this time should be addressing the client's pain and ensuring adequate breathing before attempting more strenuous activities like ambulation. If the client is in pain and not breathing effectively, ambulation could exacerbate respiratory difficulties..
C. Increasing the chest tube suction to 44 mmHg: Increasing chest tube suction is not indicated unless there is evidence of inadequate drainage or a specific complication, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. In this case, the priority is to address the client’s respiratory function, which is more likely to improve with pain relief, deep breathing, and appropriate positioning. Suctioning should only be adjusted if there is a clinical reason such as signs of a pneumothorax or inadequate drainage, which is not indicated by the information provided.
D. Assessing for adequate pain relief: The most urgent intervention in this scenario is ensuring that the client has adequate pain relief. The client’s shallow respirations and guarding of the operative site suggest that pain is inhibiting effective breathing and deep inspiration, which is crucial for preventing atelectasis and improving ventilation. Pain control is essential in promoting optimal respiratory function, as uncontrolled pain can lead to shallow breathing, reduced lung expansion, and compromised gas exchange, all of which can increase the risk of acute respiratory failure. Once pain is managed, the client will be better able to engage in other respiratory interventions
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
