Chapter 16: Antiparkinsonian Drugs Flashcards
A patient has been taking selegiline (Anipril) for a month and says he understands the “cheese
effect” that the doctor explained to him. When the nurse questions him about it, he tells her
(correctly) that the cheese effect results in which symptom?
a. Hypotension
b. Hypertension
c. Urinary discomfort
d. Gastrointestinal upset
b. Hypertension
A patient newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease has been given a prescription for
levodopa–carbidopa (Sinemet ®). The patient comments, however, that a friend was given a
prescription for “plain levodopa.” What should the nurse explain to this patient about her
prescription?
a. Levodopa alone cannot cross the blood–brain barrier.
b. There is no real difference between the two prescriptions.
c. The combination drug is more efficient in increasing the dopamine level in the
brain.
d. Concerns about drug–food interactions with levodopa therapy do not exist with the
combination therapy.
c. The combination drug is more efficient in increasing the dopamine level in the
brain.
When a patient is taking an anticholinergic, such as benztropine, as part of treatment for
Parkinson’s disease, what important information should the nurse give the patient as part of
the teaching plan?
a. Avoid vitamin B6 supplements and vitamin-fortified foods.
b. Discontinue the medication immediately if adverse effects occur.
c. Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.
d. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent drowsiness during the day.
d. Take the medication at bedtime to prevent drowsiness during the day.
A patient has been treated with antiparkinsonian medications for 3 months. What therapeutic
responses should the nurse look for when assessing this patient?
a. Decreased appetite
b. Gradual development of cogwheel rigidity
c. Adverse effects such as confusion, anxiety, irritability, and headache
d. Improved mental status and an improved ability to think clearly and to perform
activities of daily living
d. Improved mental status and an improved ability to think clearly and to perform
activities of daily living
Which statement is true in regard to amantadine (Symmetrel) therapy?
a. It increases the production of dopamine in the basal ganglia.
b. It works by eliciting the release of dopamine from nerve endings.
c. It is most effective in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease.
d. It is considered a long-term therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
b. It works by eliciting the release of dopamine from nerve endings.
When assessing the past medication history of a patient with a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s
disease, what is the nurse’s concern regarding the patient who will be taking
levodopa–carbidopa (Sinemet)?
a. Glaucoma
b. Seizure disorder
c. Bladder difficulties
d. Benign prostatic hypertrophy
a. Glaucoma
Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for patients taking anticholinergic drugs?
a. Diarrhea
b. Urinary retention
c. Risk for infection
d. Ineffective tissue perfusion
b. Urinary retention
Which statement describes an advantage of catechol ortho-methyltransferase (COMT)
inhibitors during the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?
a. They have a shorter duration of action.
b. They cause less gastrointestinal distress.
c. They have a slower onset than traditional Parkinson’s disease drugs.
d. They are associated with fewer “wearing-off” effects and have prolonged
therapeutic benefits.
d. They are associated with fewer “wearing-off” effects and have prolonged
therapeutic benefits.
A patient taking a levodopa preparation for the first time calls the clinic to report dark
discoloration of his urine. Which statement is true in this situation?
a. The discoloration of urine is a harmless effect of the drug.
b. The patient has taken this drug with red wine or cheese.
c. The patient is having an allergic reaction to the drug.
d. The patient has most likely taken extra drug doses.
a. The discoloration of urine is a harmless effect of the drug.
During drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease, the nurse monitors for which signs of
dyskinesia?
a. Rigid, tense muscles
b. Involuntary movements
c. Limp extremities with weak muscle tone
d. Confusion and altered mental status
b. Involuntary movements
