A patient has been given a prescription for levodopa-carbidopa for a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The patient asks the nurse, "Why are there two drugs in this pill?" The nurse's best response reflects which fact?
Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery.
Carbidopa is the biologic precursor of dopamine and can penetrate into the central nervous system.
Carbidopa allows for larger doses of levodopa to be given.
There are concerns about drug-food interactions with levodopa therapy that do not exist with the combination therapy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery, specifically in the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral tissues, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and be converted to dopamine. This enhances the effectiveness of levodopa therapy in managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
B. Carbidopa is not the biologic precursor of dopamine. It is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
C. Carbidopa does not directly allow for larger doses of levodopa to be given. However, by
inhibiting the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, it enhances the availability of levodopa to the central nervous system, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.
D. While levodopa-carbidopa combination therapy may have fewer drug-food interactions compared to levodopa alone, the primary reason for combining these medications is to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its peripheral breakdown.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Egg salad sandwich: Eggs are generally considered safe to consume with MAOIs. There are no significant interactions between egg salad and MAOIs.
B. Pepperoni pizza: Pepperoni contains high levels of tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when consumed with MAOIs. Therefore, pepperoni pizza should be avoided by patients
taking MAOIs.
C. Pancakes and maple syrup: Pancakes and maple syrup are generally safe choices with MAOIs, as they do not contain high levels of tyramine.
D. Fried eggs over-easy: Like egg salad, fried eggs are generally considered safe to consume with MAOIs. There are no significant interactions between fried eggs and MAOIs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased urine output is not the primary intended effect of an adrenergic agonist in the
treatment of shock. While adrenergic agonists may increase blood pressure, leading to a decrease in urine output due to vasoconstriction, the primary goal of administering these drugs in shock is to improve tissue perfusion and cardiac output.
B. Increased cardiac output is the primary intended effect of adrenergic agonists in the treatment of shock. These medications stimulate adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart rate, contractility, and stroke volume, ultimately improving cardiac output and tissue perfusion.
C. Volume restoration may be a secondary effect of administering fluids along with adrenergic agonists in the treatment of shock, but it is not the primary intended effect of the medication
itself.
D. Reduced anxiety is not a primary goal of administering adrenergic agonists in the treatment of shock. While these medications may have anxiolytic effects in certain situations, the primary goal is to improve cardiovascular function and tissue perfusion.
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