Author Question: A patient is being treated for Parkinson's disease and has been prescribed both levodopa (L-dopa) ... (Read 87 times)

plus1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is being treated for Parkinson's disease and has been prescribed both levodopa (L-dopa) and carbidopa (Lodosyn). Why is this course of combination treatment most effective?

A) Levodopa restores dopamine and carbidopa decreases peripheral breakdown of levodopa.
B) Levodopa decreases the toxic effects of carbidopa to reduce the extrapyramidal reaction.
C) Carbidopa increases the peripheral breakdown of levodopa to hasten its onset and peak.
D) Levodopa and carbidopa, when combined, enhance voluntary movement to improve gait.

Question 2

A public health nurse is responsible for the administration of numerous immunizations. Which of the following guidelines regarding anaphylaxis should the nurse adhere to?

A) The patient should be observed for anaphylaxis for 1 minute after administration.
B) The patient should be observed for anaphylaxis for 5 minutes after administration.
C) The patient should be observed for anaphylaxis for 30 minutes after administration.
D) The patient should be observed for anaphylaxis for 90 minutes after administration.

mcinincha279 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
Levodopa restores dopamine levels and, in combination with carbidopa, decreases the peripheral breakdown of levodopa and allows more to reach the brain. Levodopa does not decrease the toxic effects of carbidopa to reduce the extrapyramidal reaction. Carbidopa does not increase the peripheral breakdown of levodopa to increase its effectiveness. Levodopa and carbidopa combined do not exacerbate abnormal voluntary movement to increase gait.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The nurse should observe for allergic reactions, which usually occur within 30 minutes. The patient should be observed longer than 1 or 5 minutes, and it is not necessary to observe for longer than 30 minutes.