C HAPTER 14: D RUGS U SED TO T REAT
N EURODEGENERATIVE D ISORDERS
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which rationale applies to administering levodopa instead of dopamine for
treatment of Parkinson ’s disease?
a. Dopamine does not cross the blood -brain barrier when administered
orall y.
b. Levodopa is much less expensiv e.
c. The half-life of dopamine is too short.
d. Dopamine has too many reactions with other medications.
ANS: A
When administered orall y, dopamine does not enter the brain. Levodopa does
cross into the brain and is metabolized into dopamine. Dopamine is not
available as an oral medication. The half -life of levodopa is approximatel y 50
minutes; the half-life of dopamine is approximatel y 4 days. Dopamine does
not react with medications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 211 OBJ: 3
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning
CON: Clinical Judgment | Patient Education | Health Promotion
, 2. Which statement by the patient recentl y placed on selegiline disintegrating
tablets indicates a need for further te aching?
a. “This medication will help slow the development of symptoms. ”
b. “I will place the tablet on m y tongue before breakfast. ”
c. “I may need to use a stool softener for constipation. ”
d. “I should not push the tablet through the foil. ”
ANS: B
Selegiline oral l y disintegrating tablets should be taken in the morning before
breakfast, without liquid. This medication is used to slow the development of
s ymptoms and progression of disease. Constipation is a common adverse
effect that may require the use of stool sof teners. Patients should not attempt
to push selegiline orall y disintegrating tablets through the foil backing.
Patients should peel back the backing of one or two blisters (as prescribed)
with dry hands and gentl y remove the tablet(s).
DIF: Cognitive Leve l: Comprehension REF: p. 210 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Patient Education
3. Which statement about entacapone is correct?
a. This medication is not to be taken with carbidopa levodopa.
b. Dosage is adjusted according to the patient ’s response.
c. There will be fewer incidences of dopaminergic effects, such as
confusion.
d. This medication increases the production of dopamine in the brain.
ANS: B
Dosage must be adjusted according to the patient ’s response and tolerance.
Entacapone may be added to carbidopa levodopa therapy to prolong the
N EURODEGENERATIVE D ISORDERS
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which rationale applies to administering levodopa instead of dopamine for
treatment of Parkinson ’s disease?
a. Dopamine does not cross the blood -brain barrier when administered
orall y.
b. Levodopa is much less expensiv e.
c. The half-life of dopamine is too short.
d. Dopamine has too many reactions with other medications.
ANS: A
When administered orall y, dopamine does not enter the brain. Levodopa does
cross into the brain and is metabolized into dopamine. Dopamine is not
available as an oral medication. The half -life of levodopa is approximatel y 50
minutes; the half-life of dopamine is approximatel y 4 days. Dopamine does
not react with medications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 211 OBJ: 3
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning
CON: Clinical Judgment | Patient Education | Health Promotion
, 2. Which statement by the patient recentl y placed on selegiline disintegrating
tablets indicates a need for further te aching?
a. “This medication will help slow the development of symptoms. ”
b. “I will place the tablet on m y tongue before breakfast. ”
c. “I may need to use a stool softener for constipation. ”
d. “I should not push the tablet through the foil. ”
ANS: B
Selegiline oral l y disintegrating tablets should be taken in the morning before
breakfast, without liquid. This medication is used to slow the development of
s ymptoms and progression of disease. Constipation is a common adverse
effect that may require the use of stool sof teners. Patients should not attempt
to push selegiline orall y disintegrating tablets through the foil backing.
Patients should peel back the backing of one or two blisters (as prescribed)
with dry hands and gentl y remove the tablet(s).
DIF: Cognitive Leve l: Comprehension REF: p. 210 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Patient Education
3. Which statement about entacapone is correct?
a. This medication is not to be taken with carbidopa levodopa.
b. Dosage is adjusted according to the patient ’s response.
c. There will be fewer incidences of dopaminergic effects, such as
confusion.
d. This medication increases the production of dopamine in the brain.
ANS: B
Dosage must be adjusted according to the patient ’s response and tolerance.
Entacapone may be added to carbidopa levodopa therapy to prolong the
