A patient who is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease will begin ...

[sjones]

A patient who is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease will begin taking levodopa and carbidopa. The patient asks the primary care NP what dietary interventions may be helpful in improving symptoms. The NP should recommend:
 
  a. consuming a high-calorie diet.
  b. consuming a low-carbohydrate diet.
  c. avoiding extra fluids during meal times.
  d. minimizing intake of high-protein foods during the day.

Question 2

A primary care NP is preparing to prescribe a macrolide antibiotic for a patient who has a history of a prolonged QT interval on electrocardiogram. Which macrolide antibiotic should the NP prescribe?
 
  a. Erythromycin
  b. Azithromycin
  c. Clarithromycin
  d. Telithromycin

[AngeliqueG]

Answer to Question 1

D
Some people find that avoiding high-protein foods during the day and hoarding them until the evening improves mobility during the day. Because of decreased activity associated with the disease, patients should not eat a diet high in calories. A low-carbohydrate diet is not indicated. Patients should consume plenty of water with food to aid in chewing and swallowing.

Answer to Question 2

B
Azithromycin does not cause a prolonged QT interval , unlike the other macrolides, so it would be safe for this patient. Visual disturbances have been found to occur with the use of telithromycin. Erythromycin has a wider range of adverse effects and can cause cardiac effects in patients who have a prolonged QT interval. The Ilosone, E-Mycin, and Erythrocin are all erythromycins.