A client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa. The client demonstrates an understanding of the medication when he states:

Question

1. "I will take the medication with my meals.".
2. "This medication will cure my Parkinson's disease in time.".
3. "This medication will not affect my blood pressure medications.".
4. "I will sit up for several minutes to gain my balance before going from lying down to standing up.".

Answer 1

4. "I will sit up for several minutes to gain my balance before going from lying down to standing up.".

Rationale:
Carbidopa-levodopa is a medication that replaces the dopamine that is lacking in clients with Parkinson's disease. This medication is likely to cause orthostatic hypotension, so the client must take care when changing positions from lying to standing. The medication should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to promote absorption of the medication. There is no medication known to cure Parkinson's disease. Care must be taken if the client is also taking medications to lower the blood pressure because a cumulative effect may occur leading to hypotension and increased risk for falling.