Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has Parkinson's disease and is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A) I should take this medication with dairy products.
B) I need to avoid taking this medication with vitamin B6.
C) I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
D) I can expect immediate relief from my tremors after taking this medication.

Answer 1

The correct statement indicating an understanding of the teaching when taking carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson's disease is to avoid taking it with vitamin B6. The medication should be taken with food, but not necessarily with dairy products. Immediate relief from tremors may not be experienced after taking the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carbidopa-levodopa is a medication commonly prescribed for Parkinson's disease. To ensure the medication is effective, it is important for the client to have a clear understanding of how to take it. In this case, the correct statement that indicates an understanding of the teaching is B) I need to avoid taking this medication with vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 can reduce the effectiveness of carbidopa-levodopa, so it is recommended to avoid taking them together. This medication should be taken with food to help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, but it is not necessary to take it specifically with dairy products. Immediate relief from tremors may not be experienced after taking the medication as its effects take time to kick in.