Author Question: For which adverse effect does the nurse monitor in a patient with Parkinson's disease after ... (Read 122 times)

809779 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

For which adverse effect does the nurse monitor in a patient with Parkinson's disease after administering ropinirole (Requip)?

a. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
b. Depression with suicidal tendencies
c. Central nervous system depression
d. Narcolepsy or sleep attacks

Question 2

Which blood laboratory test result is most important for the nurse to check before administering the first prescribed dose of carbadopa-levodopa (Sinemet) to a patient?

a. International normalized ratio (INR)
b. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level
c. White blood cell (WBC) count
d. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

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

Answer to Question 1

D
An adverse effect of ropinirole, a dopaminergic/dopamine antagonist drug, is episodes of falling asleep suddenly (narcolepsy). Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an adverse effect of COMT inhibitors. Depression with suicidal tendencies is an adverse effect of carbidopa-levodopa (Si-nemet). Central nervous system depression is an adverse effect of apomorphine (Apokyn) and can include respiratory depression, coma, and cardiac arrest.

Answer to Question 2

C
Carbidopa-levodopa can suppress bone marrow activity and reduce the circulating levels of WBCs (neutropenia), greatly increasing the risk for infection. More patients with Parkinson's disease are older adults and may already have some age-related decrease in immune function. Neutropenia and infection are more likely when the patient's WBC count is low before treatment with the drug is started.