Author Question: A patient with Parkinson's disease is taking levodopa/carbidopa Sinemet. The prescriber orders ... (Read 113 times)

panfilo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient with Parkinson's disease is taking levodopa/carbidopa Sinemet. The prescriber orders bromocriptine Parlodel to treat dyskinesias. The nurse notes that the patient is agitated, and the patient reports having frequent nightmares.

The nurse will contact the provider to discuss: a. adding an antipsychotic medication.
b. changing from bromocriptine to cabergo-line Dostinex.
c. reducing the dose of bromocriptine.
d. reducing the dose of levodopa/carbidopa.

Question 2

A patient with bipolar disorder has frequent manic episodes alternating with depressive episodes. The prescriber orders risperidone Risperdal in addition to the lithium Lithobid that the patient is already taking.

The patient asks the nurse why another drug is needed. The nurse will tell the patient that the risperidone is used to: a. elevate mood during depressive episodes.
b. help control symptoms during manic epi-sodes.
c. manage tremors associated with lithium use.
d. prevent recurrence of depressive episodes.

Bison · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Bromocriptine is used to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesias and has dose-dependent psycholog-ic side effects. The nurse should suggest reducing the dose of this drug to minimize these side effects. Adding an antipsychotic medication is not indicated. Cabergoline is not approved for this use. Reducing the dose of levodopa/carbidopa is not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

B
Risperidone is an antipsychotic often used in conjunction with lithium to help manage symptoms during manic episodes, regardless of whether psychotic symptoms occur. Risperidone does not elevate mood and is not used during depressive episodes. It is not used to counter side effects associated with lithium. It does not prevent recurrence of depressive episodes.