A patient has been given a prescription for
levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet) for her newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease. She asks the nurse, "Why are there two drugs in this pill?" The nurse's best response reflects which fact?
a. Carbidopa allows for larger doses of levodopa to be given.
b. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery.
c. There are concerns about drug-food interactions with levodopa therapy that do not exist with the combination therapy.
d. Carbidopa is the biologic precursor of dopamine and can penetrate into the central nervous system.
ANS: B
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A 6-year-old child with daytime enuresis complains of dysuria and urgency. What does the nurse recognize these signs and symptoms indicate?
a. Urinary tract infection b. Nephrotic syndrome c. Acute glomerulonephritis d. Vesicoureteral reflux
The nurse documents the assessment and interventions performed to relieve the client's pain on a pain management flow sheet. Why is this documentation important?
Select all that apply. 1. Reduces time spent on documentation. 2. Clarifies and communicates each client's pain experience. 3. Accurately documents the pain management efforts performed by the nurse. 4. Enhances pain relief efforts. 5. Ensures continuity of care.
The nurse is administering analgesic medication to a group of patients. Which statement should guide the nurse in this work?
1. Pain should be managed to improve the patient's quality of life. 2. Opiates are not recommended for patients with addiction issues. 3. The nurse should be certain pain is present prior to administering opiates. 4. Patients with psychiatric diseases should avoid opiates for malignant pain.
Caregivers ask the pediatric nurse what things they need to especially look at when selecting day care. The nurse will stress preparing and asking a number of questions related to which of the following areas as a priority in selecting day care?
a. the type and amount of food served c. provision for naps b. sanitation practices and illness policies d. activities for the children