NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Related

Review NCLEX Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies related questions and content

The client calls a clinic 2 weeks after taking oral carbidopa-levodopa, stating that the medication has been ineffective in controlling the symptoms of PD. What nursing action is most important?

  • A. Review how to correctly take the carbidopa-levodopa.
  • B. Contact the HCP to address a change in the dose.
  • C. Reinforce that it may take 1 to 2 months to see effects.
  • D. Reinforce eating a diet high in protein and vitamin B6.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A: Reviewing the method for taking carbidopa-levodopa, including foods to avoid, may be important, but option C is most important. More information is needed to determine whether the client is taking it correctly. B: A dosage change is unnecessary because it has been only two weeks since the client started carbidopa-levodopa. C: With oral administration of carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet), it usually takes 1 to 2 months before an effect is noted, although in some cases it may require up to 6 months. D: A high-protein diet can slow or prevent absorption of carbidopa-levodopa. Vitamin B6 increases the action of decarboxylases that destroy levodopa in the body's periphery, reducing the effects of carbidopa-levodopa. Foods high in pyridoxine should be avoided.