The home health nurse assesses the patient with Parkinson disease ...

[abern]

The home health nurse assesses the patient with Parkinson disease who just started taking carbidopa-levodopa. The nurse should be alert for which side effect(s)? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Urinary retention
  b. Pruritis
  c. Diaphoresis
  d. Orthostatic hypotension
  e. Pink urine

Question 2

The patient in a long arm cast (from below the shoulder to the wrist, with a 90-degree elbow flexion) complains of a burning sensation over the elbow. The nurse's initial intervention should be:
 
  a. Elevate the casted arm on pillows.
  b. Check to see if the cast is properly sup-ported.
  c. Notify the charge nurse of developing pressure ulcer.
  d. Cut a window in the cast.

[Carliemb17]

Answer to Question 1

A, C, D
Carbidopa-levodopa may cause urinary retention, diaphoresis, and orthostatic hypotension. The medication should not cause itching, and it may turn the urine dark.

Answer to Question 2

B
The initial intervention should be to assess for adequate support to the cast, then elevate the limb for 30 minutes. If the pain has not diminished, document the intervention and notify the charge nurse.

[abern]

Correct answers!

[Carliemb17]

Great! Please up vote