Question

Antiparkinsonian Drugs Chapter 28 Discussion: Antiparkinson Drugs Mr. Stevens is a 70-year-old client was admitted to the hospital after a fall at his home. After a comprehensive assessment, the healthcare provider has diagnosed him with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. His symptoms include tremors of the hands, a shulling gait, and slow movements. He has been started on the drug carbidopa/levodopa. He is now ready to be discharged home. The nurse is conducting discharge teaching with Mr. Stevens and his wife. Mrs. Steven's asks why he is being treated with carbidopa levodopa and not levodopa, stating a friend with Parkinson's disease who takes levodopa has had good results with this drug. Discuss the rationale for choosing carbidopa levodopa. What should the nurse include in the educational plan

Answer 1

In this Scenario, Patient admitted in the hospital with complaint of tremors of hands, a shuffling gait and slow movement and was diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and he was treated with Carbidopa/levodopa.

                              Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease is A disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.

Purpose of using Carbidopa/Levodopa instead of Levodopa

                   This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson-like symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving. Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement.

The actions of Carbidopa along with Levodopa are:

· Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain.

· Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Patient education

· Instruct the patient to take the medication with food may help to decrease nausea.

· Instruct to avoid a high-protein diet during treatment

· Encourage the patient to Intake of normal amounts of protein should be spaced equally throughout the day

· Instruct the patient that sometimes the patient may feel “wearing off’’ before the next dose is due.

· Instruct the patient not to stop the medication without doctor’s order.

· Instruct the patient to consult Doctor before starting any other medications.

· Advice the patient to take the missed dose as soon as possible when he remember.

· Instruct the patient to Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.