ATI Pediatric Practice Questions Related

Review ATI Pediatric Practice Questions related questions and content

Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient being started on levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease?

  • A. Take medication on a full stomach
  • B. Change positions slowly
  • C. The drug may cause the urine to be very dilute
  • D. Carbidopa has many adverse effects
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Postural hypotension is common early in treatment, so the patient should be instructed to change positions slowly. Administration with meals should be avoided, if possible, because food delays the absorption of the levodopa component. If the patient is experiencing side effects of nausea and vomiting, administration with food may be considered. The levodopa component may darken urine. Carbidopa has no adverse effects of its own.