Question

A nurse is providing teaching regarding a new prescription for carbidopa-levodopa for a client who has Parkinson's disease. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "I should expect a slight increase in my blood pressure while taking this medication."
B. "I should take my medication with a high-protein food."
C. "I should expect my urine to be a darker color."
D. "I will expect it to take up to a week for this medication to work."

Answer 1

Carbidopa-levodopa is commonly prescribed for Parkinson's disease to increase dopamine levels. The client should expect their urine to be a darker color.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for Parkinson's disease is carbidopa-levodopa, which helps increase dopamine levels in the brain. To have an understanding of the teaching, the client should be able to correctly identify the expected effects of the medication. Option A is incorrect because carbidopa-levodopa does not typically cause an increase in blood pressure. Option B is incorrect because taking the medication with a high-protein food can actually decrease its effectiveness. Option C is correct because carbidopa-levodopa can cause darkened urine due to the breakdown of the medication. Option D is incorrect because the effects of the medication can be seen within a few days, not up to a week.