What is the pharmacologic action of entacapone, a potent catechol O methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor?
a. Slows the deterioration of dopaminergic nerve cells
b. Inhibits the relative excess of dopaminergic activity
c. Reduces the destruction of dopamine in peripheral tissues
d. Enhances the cholinergic symptoms of Parkinson's disease
ANS: C
Entacapone, a COMT inhibitor, reduces dopamine destruction in peripheral tissues. This significantly increases the amount of dopamine available to reach the brain. Entacapone, when used with carbidopa levodopa therapy, results in more constant dopaminergic stimulation. Entacapone is not effective when used alone. Entacapone does not affect the nerve cells but blocks enzymes that break down levodopa. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a relative deficit of dopaminergic activity. Entacapone does not affect cholinergic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
You might also like to view...
The nurse makes practice decisions based upon each patient's unique characteristics, the relationship between the patient and the nurse, and the most humanistic course of action in the particular case circumstance
Which branch of ethics does this reflect? 1. Virtual ethics 2. Duty ethics 3. Utilitarian ethics 4. Situational ethics
A 20-kg (44-lb) child in ketoacidosis is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. What order should the nurse not implement until clarified with the physician?
a. Weigh on admission and daily. b. Replace fluid volume deficit over 48 hours. c. Begin intravenous line with D5 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq of potassium chloride. d. Give intravenous regular insulin 2 units/kg/hr after initial rehydration bolus.
The nurse is conducting medication teaching for a client recently prescribed a calcium channel blocker. Which food will the nurse caution the client to avoid when taking this medication?
1. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice 2. Coffee 3. Dairy products 4. Green, leafy vegetables
Which of the following desired client outcomes is correct for a client with the nursing diagnosis Stress Urinary Incontinence related to sphincter incompetence?
1. The client will empty her bladder every time she voids. 2. The client will improve her incontinence within 1 month. 3. The client will perform four to five squeezes for 5 to 10 seconds. 4. The client will stop the flow of urine when voiding.