A patient who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease several months ago recently began treatment with levodopa-carbidopa. The patient and his family are excited that he has experienced significant symptom relief. The nurse should be aware of what implication of the patients medication regimen?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The patient is in a honeymoon period when adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa are not yet evident. This is because the initial response to levodopa-carbidopa in Parkinson's disease can be very positive, leading to significant symptom relief. However, over time, as the disease progresses and the body adjusts to the medication, adverse effects such as dyskinesias may become more prominent. Choice B is incorrect because the benefits of levodopa-carbidopa can be seen relatively soon after initiation of treatment and do not necessarily take 6 to 9 months to peak. Choice C is incorrect as the temporary improvement is likely related to the medication, given the significant symptom relief experienced. Choice D is incorrect because while benefits may diminish over time, it is not necessarily after 1 or 2 years of treatment, and some patients may continue to benefit from the medication long-term.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Abdominal palpation. Palpating the abdomen can potentially cause rupture of the liver in patients with HELLP syndrome due to increased risk of liver hematoma. This can lead to severe bleeding and compromise the patient's condition. Checking deep tendon reflexes (C), auscultation of the heart and lungs (D), and venous sample of blood (B) are safe assessments that do not pose a risk of exacerbating the patient's condition. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and avoid interventions that can harm the patient, making avoiding abdominal palpation the correct choice in caring for a patient with HELLP syndrome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hard boardlike abdomen. In abruptio placentae, concealed hemorrhage can lead to blood accumulating behind the placenta, causing the uterus to become tense and rigid, resulting in a hard boardlike abdomen. This finding indicates significant internal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention. Rationale: A: Bradycardia is a slow heart rate and is not typically associated with concealed hemorrhage in abruptio placentae. C: Decrease in fundal height may indicate intrauterine growth restriction, not specifically concealed hemorrhage. D: Decrease in abdominal pain is not a typical indicator of concealed hemorrhage; in fact, pain may increase due to the increased pressure in the uterus from the bleeding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fundal height measurement of 18 cm. This finding suggests a hydatidiform mole because it is larger than expected for a 10-week pregnancy due to excessive trophoblastic proliferation. A: Blood pressure is within normal range. B: Nausea is common in early pregnancy and not specific to a mole. D: History of bright red spotting is more indicative of a miscarriage or other complications, not necessarily a mole.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uterine infection. The patient's symptoms of crampy abdominal pain, scant serosanguineous vaginal drainage with odor, negative pregnancy test, and vital signs indicating fever, low blood pressure, and irregular pulse suggest an infection. The history of recent miscarriage raises suspicion for retained products of conception leading to infection. Ectopic pregnancy (choice A) would present with different symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and positive pregnancy test. Gestational trophoblastic disease (choice C) typically presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding and high levels of hCG. Endometriosis (choice D) is a chronic condition and not related to the acute symptoms described. In summary, the clinical presentation aligns with uterine infection given the patient's history, symptoms, and vital signs.