When assessing a patient with Parkinson disease who takes a carbidopa/levodopa combination drug, you find that he now has almost constant muscle movements that look like uncoordinated dancing. What is your best action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described muscle movements are likely to be dyskinesia, a common side effect of long-term use of carbidopa/levodopa combination drugs. Holding the next dose and reporting the finding to the healthcare provider is the best action to prevent further worsening of dyskinesia. Option A is not enough as it does not address the potential harm of the medication side effect. Option C is not advisable as it may increase the risk of dyskinesia, and option D is not recommended as it may interact with the patient's medication and exacerbate symptoms.

When Assessing a Patient with Parkinson Disease Who Takes a Carbidopa/levodopa