The Practical Nurse (PN) is preparing to administer carbidopa-levodopa to a patient with Parkinson’s disease. Which patient finding requires further assessment before administering the medication?
Pill-rolling hand motions.
Anorexia.
Flat affect.
Dizziness.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Pill-rolling hand motions are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This is a type of tremor where the thumb and fingers rub together in a circular motion as if rolling a pill. This is not a contraindication to administering carbidopa-levodopa.
Choice B rationale
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition or a side effect of the medication. This would require further assessment before administering the medication.
Choice C rationale
A flat affect, or reduced emotional expressiveness, is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This would not typically require further assessment before administering carbidopa- levodopa.
Choice D rationale
Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. However, it would not typically require further assessment before administering the medication unless it was severe or persistent.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Benztropine is used as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of all forms of Parkinson’s disease3. It works by reducing the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that nerve terminals release to make muscles contract3. One of the side effects of benztropine is dry mouth3. If a patient reports having a very dry mouth, the practical nurse should administer the scheduled medication and provide oral care to help alleviate the symptom3.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Headaches are a common side effect of many medications and do not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, if the headache is severe or persistent, it should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
Difficulty sleeping is not typically associated with propranolol. While it can occur, it is not a common side effect and is not usually a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Palpitations, or a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart, can be a sign of an irregular heartbeat, which can be a serious side effect of propranolol. This is because propranolol is a beta-blocker, a type of drug that can slow heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. Therefore, if a patient reports palpitations, the healthcare provider should be notified before the next dose of propranolol is given.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including propranolol. However, it is usually mild and temporary. If the nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, the healthcare provider should be notified.
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