Author Question: A patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease begins levodopa therapy. The nurse understands that ... (Read 29 times)

SO00 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease begins levodopa therapy. The nurse understands that administration of levodopa will

a. improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine in the CNS.
b. improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease by decreasing levels of GABA.
c. cause the patient to develop symptoms of depression and an unsteady gait.
d. lead to an increased risk of dysphagia.

Question 2

Which patient would benefit most from a group that focuses on reality orientation?

a. Adolescent with mixed drug and alcohol abuse
b. Adult with undifferentiated schizophrenia
c. Older adult with depression
d. Young adult in crisis

cat123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS), so its administration will cause a reduction in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease related to dopamine deficiency. The other options are incorrect. Levodopa increases dopamine levels. Levodopa is not associated with changes in -aminobutyric acid (GABA). Levodopa will improve the patient's swallowing ability and gait, and will reduce symptoms of depression.

Answer to Question 2

B
Reality orientation groups are helpful for patients who are confused and unable to perceive and interpret reality accurately. The patient with undifferentiated schizophrenia is the choice of patients for the reality group, because misperception of reality and poor reality testing are usually part of the patient's clinical picture.