Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why is carbidopa typically administered alongside levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
Why is carbidopa typically administered alongside levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
- To directly counteract the anxiety and confusion induced by levodopa.
- To enhance the central nervous system stimulant effects of levodopa.
- To prevent the development of tolerance to levodopa.
- To minimize the required dosage of levodopa and reduce its adverse effects. (correct)
A patient taking benztropine (Cogentin) for Parkinson's disease reports experiencing significant constipation and dry mouth. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for these side effects?
A patient taking benztropine (Cogentin) for Parkinson's disease reports experiencing significant constipation and dry mouth. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for these side effects?
- Enhanced serotonin reuptake inhibition.
- Blockade of acetylcholine receptors in the peripheral nervous system. (correct)
- Stimulation of adrenergic receptors in salivary glands and the colon.
- Increased dopamine activity in the gastrointestinal tract.
A patient with Parkinson's disease demonstrates decreased tremors and improved gait and posture after several weeks of treatment. How should a nurse interpret these observations?
A patient with Parkinson's disease demonstrates decreased tremors and improved gait and posture after several weeks of treatment. How should a nurse interpret these observations?
- The medication is causing adverse effects that need to be addressed.
- The patient may be developing tolerance to the medication and requires a higher dose.
- The patient is experiencing a placebo effect rather than a therapeutic benefit.
- The medication regimen is likely effective in managing the patient’s symptoms. (correct)
A patient is prescribed cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) for muscle spasms. Which concurrent medication would raise the greatest concern regarding potential drug interactions?
A patient is prescribed cyclobenzaprine (Amrix) for muscle spasms. Which concurrent medication would raise the greatest concern regarding potential drug interactions?
Which of the following assessment findings is most critical to report immediately to the prescriber in a female patient over 35 years old who has started taking dantrolene (Dantrium)?
Which of the following assessment findings is most critical to report immediately to the prescriber in a female patient over 35 years old who has started taking dantrolene (Dantrium)?
A patient taking haloperidol (Haldol) begins to exhibit involuntary movements and muscle rigidity. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A patient taking haloperidol (Haldol) begins to exhibit involuntary movements and muscle rigidity. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
A young adult recently started on sertraline (Zoloft) for depression reports feeling more energized but also more anxious and restless. What is the most important nursing intervention?
A young adult recently started on sertraline (Zoloft) for depression reports feeling more energized but also more anxious and restless. What is the most important nursing intervention?
A patient taking an SSRI develops a high fever, agitation, and tremors. Which condition is most likely responsible for these findings?
A patient taking an SSRI develops a high fever, agitation, and tremors. Which condition is most likely responsible for these findings?
Why is it crucial for individuals taking MAOIs to avoid foods high in tyramine?
Why is it crucial for individuals taking MAOIs to avoid foods high in tyramine?
A patient on lithium presents with confusion, muscle twitching, and persistent nausea. What is the priority nursing action?
A patient on lithium presents with confusion, muscle twitching, and persistent nausea. What is the priority nursing action?
Which of the following findings would indicate that carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is effective for a patient with Parkinson's disease?
Which of the following findings would indicate that carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is effective for a patient with Parkinson's disease?
A patient taking baclofen (Lioresal) for muscle spasticity reports excessive drowsiness. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A patient taking baclofen (Lioresal) for muscle spasticity reports excessive drowsiness. Which of the following instructions is most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A patient is prescribed dantrolene (Dantrium). What baseline laboratory value is most important for the nurse to assess before initiating therapy?
A patient is prescribed dantrolene (Dantrium). What baseline laboratory value is most important for the nurse to assess before initiating therapy?
A patient on fluphenazine (Prolixin) develops lip smacking and tongue movements. The nurse recognizes these as potential signs of which adverse effect?
A patient on fluphenazine (Prolixin) develops lip smacking and tongue movements. The nurse recognizes these as potential signs of which adverse effect?
A patient recently started on citalopram (Celexa) reports difficulty falling asleep. What is an appropriate intervention?
A patient recently started on citalopram (Celexa) reports difficulty falling asleep. What is an appropriate intervention?
A patient is receiving treatment for bipolar disorder with lithium. Which of the following serum lithium levels indicates a therapeutic range?
A patient is receiving treatment for bipolar disorder with lithium. Which of the following serum lithium levels indicates a therapeutic range?
Which of the following anticholinergic side effects should the nurse monitor for in a patient taking benztropine (Cogentin)?
Which of the following anticholinergic side effects should the nurse monitor for in a patient taking benztropine (Cogentin)?
A patient taking an MAOI has been instructed to avoid tyramine-rich foods. Consuming which of the following meals indicates that the patient needs further teaching?
A patient taking an MAOI has been instructed to avoid tyramine-rich foods. Consuming which of the following meals indicates that the patient needs further teaching?
A patient taking sertraline (Zoloft) for depression reports that they have been taking St. John’s Wort to help improve their mood. What is the nurse’s best response?
A patient taking sertraline (Zoloft) for depression reports that they have been taking St. John’s Wort to help improve their mood. What is the nurse’s best response?
A patient has recently been prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following symptoms should the nurse immediately report to the provider?
A patient has recently been prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). Which of the following symptoms should the nurse immediately report to the provider?
Flashcards
Levodopa
Levodopa
A medication used to treat Parkinson's disease; must be given with carbidopa.
Carbidopa
Carbidopa
Given with Levodopa to enhance its effects and reduce side effects by preventing its breakdown in the periphery.
Benztropine (Cogentin)
Benztropine (Cogentin)
An anticholinergic medication used to treat tremors and rigidity in Parkinson's disease.
Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Methocarbamol
Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Methocarbamol
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Dantrolene (Dantrium)
Dantrolene (Dantrium)
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Dantrolene liver damage symptoms
Dantrolene liver damage symptoms
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Haloperidol, Fluphenazine
Haloperidol, Fluphenazine
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Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
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SSRIs
SSRIs
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Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms
Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms
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MAOIs Dietary Restrictions
MAOIs Dietary Restrictions
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Lithium
Lithium
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Study Notes
Parkinson’s Disease
- Dopaminergic medications used include Levodopa, Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet), Pramipexole (Mirapex), and Ropinirole (Requip).
- Levodopa must be administered with Carbidopa to lower the required dose and minimize side effects.
- Adverse effects of dopaminergic medications include anxiety, confusion, twitching, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypotension.
- Benztropine (Cogentin): An anticholinergic medication that treats tremors and rigidity.
- Side effects of Benztropine are dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, confusion, and blurred vision.
- Effective treatment is indicated by decreased tremors and improved gait and posture.
Muscle Relaxants
- Centrally acting muscle relaxants consist of Baclofen (Lioresal), Cyclobenzaprine (Amrix), and Methocarbamol (Robaxin).
- Side effects of centrally acting muscle relaxants are drowsiness, dry mouth, hypotension, and weakness.
- Drug interactions occur with CNS depressants and alcohol.
- Direct-acting muscle relaxants include Dantrolene (Dantrium) and Botox.
- Dantrolene has a warning due to the risk of fatal hepatotoxicity, making AST/ALT monitoring crucial, especially in women over 35.
- Symptoms of liver damage from Dantrolene include anorexia, nausea, and fatigue.
Psych Medications: Antipsychotics
- First-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol (Haldol) and Fluphenazine (Prolixin) may cause Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).
- Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) include Dystonia, Akathisia, and Tardive Dyskinesia.
- Other side effects include sedation, tremors, and dry mouth.
Psych Medications: SSRIs
- SSRIs consist of Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Citalopram (Celexa).
- SSRIs typically take 4–6 weeks to become effective.
- Adverse effects of SSRIs include headache, insomnia, and an increased suicide risk in youth.
- Serotonin Syndrome symptoms include fever, agitation, tremors, and sweating.
Psych Medications: MAOIs & Lithium
- Tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats) should be avoided when taking MAOIs to prevent hypertensive crisis.
- Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder.
- The therapeutic level for Lithium is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L.
- Toxicity signs for Lithium should be monitored.
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