Author Question: A patient who has been prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) informs the nurse that a dark spot on ... (Read 45 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who has been prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) informs the nurse that a dark spot on his arm is getting larger. What is the nurse's best action?

a. Measure the size of the spot and document the finding.
b. Inform the patient that this is an expected side effect of the drug.
c. Administer the drug as ordered by the prescriber.
d. Hold the drug and contact the prescriber about this change.

Question 2

What safety precaution must the nurse teach a patient with Parkinson's disease who is prescribed benztropine (Cogentin)?

a. Always dress warmly and avoid extended exposure to cold weather.
b. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned setting during hot weather.
c. Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness or light-headedness.
d. Avoid alcohol intake because drowsiness is associated with this drug.

kingdude89 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Carbidopa-levodopa can activate malignant melanoma. Patients should be instructed to report any changes in skin lesions immediately to their prescriber.

Answer to Question 2

B
Benztropine is an anticholinergic drug. These drugs cause decreased perspiration, leading to in-creased risk for overheating during hot weather. Patients should be taught to stay indoors, pre-ferably in an air-conditioned environment, to avoid this side effect.