Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 204

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A nurse is instructing a client regarding carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The nurse tells the client which of the following indicates an overdose of the medication?

  

     A. Difficulty performing a voluntary movement.

     B. Increased blood pressure.

     C. Decreased appetite.

     D. Black tarry stools.

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Difficulty performing a voluntary movement.

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Option A: Dyskinesia (difficulty performing a voluntary movement) is one of the symptoms of a levodopa overdose. Other side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, confusion, and hallucinations.

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Option B: Postural hypotension may happen due to dose adjustment or when Sinemet is taken with medications that decrease blood pressure.

Options C and D: Loss of appetite and black tarry stools are rare side effects of the medication.

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