A nurse is caring for an older adult with Parkinson's Disease. ...

[CORALGRILL2014]

A nurse is caring for an older adult with Parkinson's Disease. The patient is receiving the medica-tion levodopa-carbidopa.
 
  The nurse understands that in order to maximize effectiveness, the administration schedule for this medication should adhere to which of the following?
  a. Administer with meals only
  b. Administer first thing in the morning only
  c. Administer on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before or 45-60 minutes after a meal
  d. Administer with a full 8 ounces of water and have the patient sit upright for thirty minutes after

Question 2

While the older African American is at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, the nurse demonstrates an understanding of this disease process's risk factors when assessing this population's:
 
  a. weight and elimination patterns.
  b. heart rate and capillary refill status.
  c. blood pressure and serum lipid levels.
  d. muscle strength and reflex times.

[stallen]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
To maximize effectiveness, levodopa-carbidopa must be taken on an empty stomach (30-60 minutes before or 45-60 minutes after a meal).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Researchers found distinct ethnic and racial differences among persons with AD. They may have identified a gene placing African Americans at about twice the risk for developing AD than their white American counterparts. It is possible that additional risk factors are a part of this, specifi-cally, a higher rate of cardiovascular disease. There is no current research to support a relationship between the other options and the development of AD.