A patient has a positive Chvostek sign. The nurse interprets this as a sign of:

Choice A reason: Bronchoconstriction refers to the narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to the contraction of the surrounding smooth muscle. This condition is typically associated with asthma or allergic reactions and is not directly related to Virchow's triad, which concerns factors leading to thrombosis (formation of blood clots).

Choice B reason: Pulmonary embolus is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). Virchow's triad describes the three primary factors that predispose individuals to thrombosis: hypercoagulability (increased tendency of blood to clot), stasis of blood flow, and endothelial injury (damage to the blood vessel wall). These factors contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can ultimately result in a pulmonary embolus if they dislodge and travel to the lungs.

Choice C reason: Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure is not a consequence of the factors described in Virchow's triad. In fact, a pulmonary embolus can lead to increased pulmonary arterial pressure due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which can strain the right side of the heart and lead to complications.

Choice D reason: Alveolar collapse, also known as atelectasis, occurs when the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) deflate or fill with fluid. This condition is typically due to reasons such as airway obstruction, surfactant deficiency, or lung compression, and is not directly related to the formation of blood clots described by Virchow's triad.

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.