A patient is prescribed carbidopa/levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The patient asks the nurse whether this medication will cure their condition.
Which is a correct statement about the effects of carbidopa/levodopa?
It does not alter the underlying disease process, but it may improve a client's quality of life.
It will send the disease into remission and eventually cure the disease.
It will control the symptoms for 10 to 12 years.
It is the treatment of last resort and may control symptoms.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Carbidopa/levodopa functions by supplementing dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating motor symptoms. However, it does not stop the progressive neurodegeneration characteristic of Parkinson's disease, which involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons. While symptoms are managed, the underlying pathology continues, hence it improves quality of life but is not curative.
Choice B rationale
Carbidopa/levodopa provides symptomatic relief by increasing dopamine availability in the brain, addressing the motor deficits of Parkinson's disease. However, it does not halt the ongoing degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Therefore, it cannot induce remission or cure the disease, which is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder.
Choice C rationale
The efficacy of carbidopa/levodopa in controlling Parkinson's symptoms varies significantly among individuals and over time. Its effectiveness typically diminishes after 5-10 years due to disease progression and the development of motor complications, such as dyskinesia and "wearing-off" phenomena. Predicting a precise duration of control like 10-12 years is not scientifically accurate.
Choice D rationale
Carbidopa/levodopa is often considered a cornerstone of Parkinson's disease treatment, particularly for motor symptoms, and is typically initiated when symptoms significantly impact quality of life. It is not generally reserved as a "treatment of last resort" but rather as a primary therapeutic agent, indicating its broad utility and relatively early introduction in management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.9"]
Explanation
Step 1: Calculate the volume to administer:. 35 mg ÷ (40 mg/mL) = 0.875 mL.
Step 2: Round to the nearest tenth:. 0.875 mL rounded to the nearest tenth is 0.9 mL. Final calculated answer: 0.9 mL.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
As individuals age, the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine declines due to structural and functional changes in the renal tubules and collecting ducts, including decreased response to antidiuretic hormone. This diminished concentrating ability often leads to an increased excretion of dilute urine, rather than enhanced concentration.
Choice B rationale
Normal physiological changes of aging affecting the urinary system include decreased bladder capacity, decreased bladder muscle tone, and increased involuntary bladder contractions. These changes often result in symptoms such as urinary frequency (more frequent voiding), urgency (sudden strong urge to void), and nocturia (waking up at night to urinate).
Choice C rationale
In healthy adults, the kidneys are typically not easily palpable unless they are enlarged due to pathology, such as polycystic kidney disease or hydronephrosis. Normal kidneys are protected by the lower ribs and posterior abdominal muscles, making deep palpation challenging for identification of normal size.
Choice D rationale
While some older adults may experience increased urinary incontinence due to age-related changes or comorbidities, it is not an inevitable outcome of aging that all patients will require wearing a brief at all times. Many older adults maintain continence with proper management, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, thus avoiding dependence on briefs.
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