Question 1

The client has been started on Sinemet. She is also being treated with an MAO inhibitor medication. The nurse anticipates that which of the client's vital signs should be most closely monitored?

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive crisis may result when the client is on Sinemet and an MAO inhibitor drug.

Question 2

The client with ________ would not be a candidate for treatment with Sinemet.

Accepted Answer

Sinemet may increase intraocular pressure.

Question 3

A client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In developing a teaching plan for the client's family members, the nurse bases the plan on the idea that Alzheimer's disease is a(n):

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative condition.

Question 4

A client is admitted with the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The nurse is vigilant for which symptom?

Accepted Answer

Bradykinesia, or slow voluntary movement, is characteristic of this disorder.

Question 5

A client is being treated with carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. Which symptom indicates a positive response to the medication?

Accepted Answer

Decreases in parkinsonian symptoms are positive responses to these medications.

Question 6

Tacrine (Cognex) has a short half-life. The nurse would anticipate that this medication would be ordered how often?

Accepted Answer

Medications with short half-lives require more frequent dosing; therefore they are given four times a day.

Question 7

The client has been prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). The highest priority instruction for the client is to avoid eating:

Accepted Answer

Pyridoxine increases dopa decarboxylase action, which metabolizes levodopa in the peripheral nervous system to dopamine. Food rich in pyridoxine, such as lima beans, should be avoided.

Question 8

Tacrine (Cognex) is ordered for a client. Because of its most life-threatening adverse reaction, the nurse is aware that which levels should be frequently evaluated?

Accepted Answer

This medication is very hepatotoxic; therefore, liver enzymes should be periodically monitored.

Question 9

The client has been ordered treatment with Sinemet. He tells the nurse that he has previously been diagnosed and treated for malignant melanoma. What is the best response from the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Sinemet is contraindicated when the client has had malignant melanoma.

Question 10

A client with Alzheimer's disease receives tacrine (Cognex). Her son is commenting on his mother's condition. Which comment indicates an expected positive effect from this medication?

Accepted Answer

This is a realistic answer to this question. Medications for Alzheimer's disease slow the progression of the illness but do not cure or decrease the risk of the condition. Cognex does not have an effect on motor function.

Question 11

The client has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and needs to be started on an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug. He has preexisting liver disease. The nurse anticipates the he will most likely be ordered which drug?

Accepted Answer

Exelon is not known to cause hepatotoxicity.

Question 12

A client is diagnosed with parkinsonism. He is ordered to receive levodopa (L-dopa) 750 mg qid. What side effects should the nurse watch for?

Accepted Answer

These are side effects associated with this medication.

Question 13

What antiviral drug is used to decrease parkinsonism symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Amantadine (Symmetrel), found to decrease the symptoms of parkinsonism, is also an antiviral agent.

Question 14

In parkinsonism, what is the neurotransmitter that is in excess, causing excitation and movement disorders?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is the chemical that is in excess amounts in clients with Parkinson's disease, owing to low dopamine.

Question 15

The client has been placed on Tacrine. What is the best time for the nurse to administer the medication?

Accepted Answer

Food decreases the absorption of Tacrine, so it should not be taken near any mealtime.

Question 16

A client with Parkinson's disease is receiving levodopa (L-dopa) to reduce symptoms. What would indicate the effectiveness of the medication?

Accepted Answer

The only positive response to the medication would be decreased pill-rolling.

Question 17

Which is a realistic goal regarding medication for the client with advanced Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

The only realistic goal for the client is that he or she would receive medication with the help of a caregiver.

Quiz 23: Drugs for Neurologic Disorders: Parkinsonism and Alzheimers Disease