A nurse provides teaching for a patient who is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the drug therapy for this disease?
"A levodopa/carbidopa combination is used to improve motor function."
"I should see improvement in my symptoms in about a week."
"With adequate drug therapy, the disease progression may be slowed."
"After a couple of months of treatment, my dose will be reduced."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The levodopa/carbidopa combination is commonly used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is deficient in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain, increasing its effectiveness. This combination is widely recognized as an effective treatment for improving motor function in Parkinson's patients. Understanding this combination therapy indicates that the patient is aware of the primary approach to managing their condition.
Choice B reason: While some patients may begin to see improvements in their symptoms within a few days to a week of starting levodopa/carbidopa therapy, it is not guaranteed for all patients. The response to the medication can vary, and some individuals may take longer to notice significant improvements. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and understand that the treatment response can be individualized.
Choice C reason: While drug therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life in Parkinson's disease, it does not significantly slow the progression of the disease. Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, and current medications primarily aim to alleviate symptoms rather than alter the course of the disease. Thus, this statement indicates a misunderstanding of the primary purpose of the medication.
Choice D reason: The dosing of Parkinson's medications, including levodopa/carbidopa, is typically adjusted based on the patient's response and symptom control. It is not standard practice to reduce the dose after a couple of months automatically. In fact, over time, some patients may require higher doses or additional medications to maintain symptom control. Therefore, this statement reflects a misunderstanding of the typical management of Parkinson's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The superficial veins of the arm are not a common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. While blood clots can form in the superficial veins, they are less likely to travel to the lungs compared to clots formed in the deep veins of the legs.
Choice B reason: Emboli originating from the left ventricle typically travel to systemic circulation, potentially causing strokes or other systemic embolic events, rather than pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism results from a clot traveling to the pulmonary arteries, which is more likely to originate from the venous system, specifically the deep veins.
Choice C reason: Deep veins of the leg, such as those in the calf and thigh, are the most common source of emboli that cause pulmonary embolism. Blood clots, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can form in these veins and dislodge, traveling through the venous system and the right side of the heart to the pulmonary arteries. This can result in a pulmonary embolism, causing symptoms such as severe chest pain and shortness of breath.
Choice D reason: Systemic arteries do not typically lead to pulmonary embolism, as emboli from these arteries would travel to various parts of the systemic circulation, not the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary embolism is primarily associated with emboli originating from the venous system, particularly the deep veins of the legs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypercalcemia refers to high levels of calcium in the blood, but a positive Chvostek sign is not indicative of hypercalcemia. In fact, hypercalcemia generally results in symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and nausea rather than the specific neuromuscular irritability seen with a positive Chvostek sign.
Choice B reason: Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood and is associated with a positive Chvostek sign. The Chvostek sign is a clinical test where tapping on the facial nerve triggers twitching of the facial muscles. This occurs due to increased neuromuscular excitability caused by low calcium levels.
Choice C reason: Hypophosphatemia refers to low levels of phosphate in the blood. It is not directly associated with a positive Chvostek sign. While electrolyte imbalances can affect neuromuscular function, hypocalcemia is specifically linked to the Chvostek sign.
Choice D reason: Hypermagnesemia refers to high levels of magnesium in the blood and is not related to a positive Chvostek sign. Hypermagnesemia often causes symptoms such as muscle weakness, nausea, and hypotension rather than the neuromuscular irritability seen with a positive Chvostek sign.
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