Which adverse effects associated with levodopa therapy would ...

[karen]

Which adverse effects associated with levodopa therapy would support the nursing diagnosis risk for injury?
 
  a. Nausea and vomiting
  b. Orthostatic hypotension
  c. Anorexia and depression
  d. Tachycardia and palpitations

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient prior to discharge from same day surgery following an incisional breast biopsy.
 
  When assessing the patient's central nervous system (CNS) function following sedative-hypnotic therapy, what will the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
  a. Level of alertness
  b. Orientation
  c. Ability to perform motor functions
  d. Blood pressure
  e. Usual pattern of sleep

[Sassygurl126]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
When initiating levodopa therapy, orthostatic hypotension may occur. Although generally mild, patients may experience dizziness and weakness. Symptoms usually resolve within 1 or 2 weeks once tolerance is developed to the levodopa therapy. Orthostatic hypotension increases the risk for injury in Parkinson's patients because they are also experiencing alterations in gait patterns. Although nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and depression are adverse effects of levodopa, they do not contribute to a risk for falling. Tachycardia and palpitations are not common adverse effects of levodopa.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C
Because sedative hypnotics depress overall CNS function, the nurse should identify the patient's level of alertness and orientation and ability to perform motor functions. Blood pressure is a vital sign and falls under cardiovascular assessment. Usual sleep pattern should be obtained for information on sleep pattern disruption but not for CNS function.

[karen]

Thanks

[Sassygurl126]

Welcome