A patient is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and levodopa (Dopar) has been prescribed. What patient teaching information should be considered a high priority for this patient?
A) Avoid vitamin B6 intake.
B) Avoid hot environments.
C) Many adverse effects will subside when the body adjusts to the drug.
D) Allow rest periods.
A
Feedback:
The priority information would be to avoid vitamin B6 intake, which would include grains and bran. Vitamin B6 speeds the conversion of levodopa to dopamine before it can cross the blood–brain barrier. This leads to Parkinson's symptoms. The other options are all important and should be discussed with the patient. However, sweating, headaches, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weakness, and dizziness are expected adverse effects, which will eventually subside or decrease.
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