What is the rationale for administering levodopa instead of dopamine for treatment of Parkinson's disease?
a. Dopamine does not cross the blood–brain barrier when administered orally.
b. Levodopa is much less expensive.
c. The half-life of dopamine is too short.
d. Dopamine has too many reactions with other medications.
ANS: A
When administered orally, dopamine does not enter the brain. Levodopa does cross into the brain and is metabolized into dopamine. Dopamine is not available as an oral medication. The half-life of levodopa is approximately 50 minutes; the half-life of dopamine is approximately 4 days. Dopamine does not react with medications.
You might also like to view...
A parasitic infection is suspected. What type of culture is the nurse likely to collect?
A) Blood B) Urine C) Stool D) Sputum
The nurse provides teaching on the diagnosis Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume to a client with ulcerative colitis. Which client statement indicates understanding of this information?
A) "I will drink 1 liter of fluid each day." B) "I will continue to use a moisturizer on my skin." C) "I should report dry patches of skin immediately to my doctor." D) "If I have two liquid stools in any day, I will report this to my health care provider."
Which of the following factors place a woman at risk of nutritional inadequacy during pregnancy?
a. adolescence c. multiple gestation b. anxiety d. previous pregnancies
The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a group of clients. One of the medications is atropine, an anticholinergic drug. This drug is contraindicated in which client?
A. The client with glaucoma B. The client with hyperthyroidism C. The client with a hiatal hernia D. The client with lung cancer