Carbidopa when combined with levodopa:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbidopa enhances levodopa in Parkinson's. It inhibits peripheral (not cerebral) dopa decarboxylase, reducing levodopa breakdown outside the brain, allowing more to cross the blood-brain barrier. This reduces peripheral dopamine, minimizing nausea and hypotension, permitting lower levodopa doses, a true statement. It's compatible with warfarin, doesn't delay bradykinesia improvement (enhances onset), and doesn't abolish on-off effects (related to disease progression). Reduced side effects improve tolerability, a key therapeutic strategy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Adverse effects of fibric acid derivatives, also known as fibrates, may include joint pain among other side effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms, abnormalities in liver function tests, and myopathy (muscle damage). Joint pain can be a result of musculoskeletal side effects associated with fibrates, so it is important for the patient to report any new or worsening joint pain to their healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of pain, redness, warmth, and tenderness at the IV site indicate possible infiltration or phlebitis, which can lead to tissue damage or infection. The nurse should stop the infusion and discontinue the IV immediately to prevent further complications. Aspirating and slowing the rate (A) is inappropriate in this situation. Inserting a central line (B) is not the immediate priority. Applying warm compresses (D) may be done after discontinuing the IV, but it is not the first action.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can cause side effects such as fluid retention, electrolyte imbalance, and increased blood pressure. On the other hand, high-dose aspirin, especially when taken for arthritis, can have blood-thinning effects that may also contribute to lowering blood pressure. Given these potential effects of both medications, the nurse should be vigilant for the development of hypotension in the patient. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness, is crucial in this situation to ensure the patient's safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lipid-soluble drugs distribute widely, crossing membranes like the blood-brain barrier easily, unlike water-soluble ones. The barrier blocks some, not all, drugs. High blood flow aids delivery, not hinders. Protein complexes limit free drug, not enable crossing. Lipid solubility enhances distribution, a pharmacokinetic truth.