A patient who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease several months ago recently began treatment with levodopa-carbidopa. The patient and his family are excited that he has experienced significant symptom relief
The nurse should be aware of what implication of the patient's medication regimen?
A) The patient is in a "honeymoon period" when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident.
B) Benefits of levodopa-carbidopa do not peak until 6 to 9 months after the initiation of treatment.
C) The patient's temporary improvement in status is likely unrelated to levodopa-carbidopa.
D) Benefits of levodopa-carbidopa often diminish after 1 or 2 years of treatment.
Ans: D
Feedback:
The beneficial effects of levodopa therapy are most pronounced in the first year or two of treatment. Benefits begin to wane and adverse effects become more severe over time. However, a "honeymoon period" of treatment is not known.
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