The nurse is instructing a patient recently diagnosed with GERD. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

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.

A. Increase the amount of dopamine and reduce the amount of acetylcholine:

This is the correct answer. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, so medications aim to increase dopamine levels. Additionally, reducing the activity of acetylcholine helps to restore the balance between these neurotransmitters.

B. Increase the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not accurate. Increasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would not address the underlying imbalance seen in Parkinson's disease.

C. Reduce the amount of dopamine and increase the amount of acetylcholine:

This is incorrect. Parkinson's disease involves a reduction in dopamine levels, so reducing dopamine further would worsen the symptoms. Additionally, increasing acetylcholine is not the therapeutic goal in Parkinson's disease.

D. Reduce the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:

This is not the correct approach. Decreasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as the primary issue is the deficiency of dopamine.