Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about levodopa with a family member of a client who has Parkinson's disease. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include?

A. "A full therapeutic response may take several months"
B. "This medication should be taken with high-protein foods"
C. "A full therapeutic response might cause vivid dreams"
D. "This medication is given at the onset of mild symptoms"

Answer 1

A full therapeutic response to levodopa may take several months. Levodopa should be taken on an empty stomach, as high-protein foods can decrease its absorption. A common side effect of levodopa is vivid dreams.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should inform the family member that a full therapeutic response to levodopa may take several months (A). It is important to manage expectations and understand that it may take time for the medication to have an optimal effect. The nurse should also emphasize that levodopa should be taken on an empty stomach, as high-protein foods can decrease the absorption of the medication (B). Lastly, the nurse should mention that a common side effect of levodopa is vivid dreams (C), which is important for the family member to be aware of.