The nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about the appropriate use of levodopa-carbidopa. What should the nurse teach the client?

Take the medication an hour before eating meals

Take the daily dose at bedtime to minimize sedative effects

Take the medication with protein to aid in absorption

Crush this medication before taking it, so it is easier to swallow

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Take the medication an hour before eating meals: Levodopa-carbidopa absorption can be impaired by dietary protein because amino acids compete with the drug for transport across the intestinal wall and blood-brain barrier. Taking the medication 30–60 minutes before meals allows optimal absorption and more consistent therapeutic effects, improving control of Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as bradykinesia and rigidity.

B. Take the daily dose at bedtime to minimize sedative effects: Levodopa-carbidopa is not primarily sedating, and dosing at bedtime would not provide symptom control during waking hours when mobility is most needed. Administering the medication during the day, timed appropriately around meals, ensures peak effectiveness during active periods.

C. Take the medication with protein to aid in absorption: Protein actually interferes with levodopa absorption by competing for the same transport mechanisms. High-protein meals can reduce the drug’s effectiveness, leading to increased “off” periods of Parkinson’s symptoms. Patients are typically advised to separate protein intake from medication timing.

D. Crush this medication before taking it, so it is easier to swallow: Many formulations of levodopa-carbidopa are enteric-coated or extended-release to protect the drug from gastric degradation and control absorption. Crushing the tablets can alter the pharmacokinetics, reduce effectiveness, and increase gastrointestinal side effects.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Excessive salivation: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that decreases parasympathetic activity, typically resulting in dry mouth rather than excessive salivation. Increased salivation is not expected and does not indicate a common adverse effect of this drug.

B. Difficulty voiding: Anticholinergic effects of benztropine can inhibit detrusor muscle contraction and reduce bladder tone, leading to urinary retention or difficulty voiding. This is a significant adverse effect that should be reported promptly, as it may require intervention to prevent complications such as bladder distention or infection.

C. Diarrhea: Benztropine generally decreases gastrointestinal motility and secretions due to its anticholinergic properties. Clients are more likely to experience constipation rather than diarrhea, making diarrhea an unlikely adverse effect of concern with this medication.

D. Decreased heart rate: Anticholinergic medications like benztropine can actually cause tachycardia by blocking parasympathetic influences on the sinoatrial node. Bradycardia or decreased heart rate is not typically associated with benztropine use and is not an expected adverse effect to report.

A. Disc degeneration B. Light sensitivity C. Temperature sensitivity D. Contractures E. Sexual dysfunction F. Urinary tract infections

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F"]

Explanation

A. Disc degeneration: While disc degeneration can happen to anyone over time due to aging or wear and tear, it is not considered a specific "complication" caused by a spinal cord injury itself.

B. Light sensitivity: Photophobia or light sensitivity is not typically associated with spinal cord injuries. Neurologic changes in spinal cord injury primarily affect motor, sensory, and autonomic pathways below the level of injury, rather than visual pathways.

C. Temperature sensitivity: Autonomic dysfunction following a T6 spinal cord injury can impair thermoregulation, resulting in temperature sensitivity. Clients may have difficulty adjusting to hot or cold environments, increasing the risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia.

D. Contractures: Immobility and muscle spasticity following a spinal cord injury can lead to joint contractures. Without proper positioning, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises, muscles and tendons may shorten, limiting mobility and complicating rehabilitation.

E. Sexual dysfunction: Spinal cord injuries often affect sexual function due to disruption of neural pathways controlling arousal, sensation, and orgasm. This complication is common and should be included in patient education to address expectations and available interventions.

F. Urinary tract infections: Neurogenic bladder resulting from spinal cord injury increases the risk of urinary retention and incomplete emptying. Indwelling catheters, intermittent catheterization, or other bladder management strategies can predispose clients to recurrent urinary tract infections, making it a frequent complication to monitor.

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The nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about the appropriate use of levodopa-carbidopa. What should the nurse teach the client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client about benztropine to treat their Parkinson's disease symptoms. The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching about potential complications to a client who has a spinal cord injury. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching as a common complication of spinal cord injuries? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F"]

Explanation

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