A patient who complains of gastric distress from NSAIDS such as aspirin or indomethacin will most likely benefit from the administration of which medication?

A. Ask a colleague what the order says:

This option involves seeking assistance from a colleague to interpret the illegible handwriting. While collaboration among healthcare professionals is important, relying on a colleague to interpret unclear handwriting may introduce the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation.

B. Contact the prescriber to clarify the order:

This is the recommended and safest option. Contacting the prescriber directly to seek clarification ensures accurate information and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors related to illegible handwriting.

C. Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order:

This option involves delaying clarification until the prescriber is available during rounds. Waiting may not be ideal if the patient requires prompt intervention or if there is an urgency in administering the medication. Timely communication is crucial for patient safety.

D. Ask the patient what medications he takes at home:

This option is unrelated to the issue of illegible handwriting on the prescription. While obtaining a patient's medication history is important for comprehensive care, it does not address the immediate need to clarify the unclear order.

A. "This medication may make my movements smoother."

This statement is correct. Carbidopa-levodopa is used to improve motor symptoms in parkinsonism, making movements smoother.

B. "My skin may turn yellow if I miss too many doses."

This statement is not accurate. Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) is not a known side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. This statement indicates a need for further clarification.

C. "I need to take vitamin B6 supplements with this medication."

This statement is incorrect. While vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa, carbidopa is included in the formulation to prevent its peripheral conversion, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain. Vitamin B6 supplements are generally not recommended with carbidopa-levodopa.

D. "I should take this medicine on an empty stomach."

This statement is not accurate. Carbidopa-levodopa is typically taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea.

E. "I need to check my blood sugar regularly while taking this."

This statement is not directly related to carbidopa-levodopa. Monitoring blood sugar is essential for individuals with diabetes but is not a specific requirement related to this medication.