A nurse is discussing motor symptoms with a patient with Parkinson's disease who has been taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) and who is now having regular tics. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of this symptom?
a. "I may need to try a lower dose of Sinemet to reduce my tics."
b. "My provider may order clozapine to treat these tics."
c. "These tics are an indication that my dose of Sinemet is too low."
d. "This means I will have to have surgery to stop the symptoms."
ANS: A
Levodopa can cause movement disorders. If they occur, a lower dose of levodopa may be required to alleviate them. Clozapine is an antipsychotic used to treat levodopa-induced psychoses. Movement disorders generally occur as the dose of levodopa increases. Surgery is a last option for treating movement disorders, after amantadine fails.
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