A patient is receiving carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson disease. What is most important for the nurse know about this drug?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because dopaminergics like carbidopa-levodopa are contraindicated in glaucoma due to their potential to raise intraocular pressure, worsening the condition. This is a critical consideration for the nurse to prevent exacerbation of glaucoma symptoms. Choices A and B are incorrect as carbidopa-levodopa typically does not lead to hypertension or excessive salivation. Choice C is also incorrect as drowsiness is a common side effect of dopaminergics but not the most important consideration in this case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inform the patient that perspiration may be dark and may stain clothing. This is because carbidopa-levodopa can cause dark sweat due to its effect on dopamine levels. This information is crucial for patient education to prevent unnecessary concerns or distress. Choice A is incorrect because high-protein intake can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, leading to reduced effectiveness of the medication. Choice C is incorrect because checking glucose levels with urine testing is not relevant for monitoring the effects of carbidopa-levodopa in Parkinson's disease. Blood glucose monitoring would be more appropriate for diabetes management. Choice D is incorrect because the onset of action for carbidopa-levodopa is typically faster, within hours to days, rather than 4 to 5 days. It is important for the patient to be aware of the potential side effects and expected timeline for symptom improvement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own acetylcholine receptors, leading to decreased communication between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, not myasthenia gravis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes multiple sclerosis, not myasthenia gravis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes Parkinson's disease, not myasthenia gravis. Remember, in myasthenia gravis, the issue is a decreased amount of acetylcholine to cholinergic receptors, not an imbalance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement that the goals of treatment are to decrease inflammation in the nervous system is not correct for multiple sclerosis. While inflammation plays a role in the development of MS, the primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the patient's quality of life. Treatments may include medications to reduce relapses, manage symptoms, and modify the course of the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they accurately describe characteristics of multiple sclerosis such as periods of exacerbations and remissions, symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, vision and emotional problems, and the autoimmune nature of the disorder causing plaque development.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Glatiramer acetate. This medication is commonly used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by reducing the frequency of relapses. It works by modulating the immune system to prevent inflammation and damage to the nervous system. Ambenonium (A) and Pyridostigmine (B) are used to treat myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder, not multiple sclerosis. Mitoxantrone (C) is used for aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis, not for relapsing-remitting MS. In summary, Glatiramer acetate is the correct choice for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis due to its mechanism of action and proven efficacy.