NUR 2474 Pharmacology for Professional Nursing

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NUR2474 Rasmussen Exam 1

What does levodopa and carbidopa do?

- Works to increase the amount of dopamine that can be used for reuptake in

the brain.

- It is a dopaminergic agent in which once it is converted, the drug will then

act as a dopamine supply and will be taken up.

What is the purpose of carbidopa use?

- Helps to enhance the effects of levodopa and decrease GI discomfort. Has no

other effects.

Side effects of levodopa/carbidopa

- NV

- CV postural hypotension

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- Increase intake of salt and water

- Psychotic s/s when too much in brain, mood changes- more anxious and

agitated, memory and cognitive impairment, risky behaviors, dyskinesia,

darken sweat and urine, malignant melanoma

What things should we teach our patient about when taking levodopa/carbidopa?

- Give additional carbidopa to alleviate GI effects

- Change position slowly

- Fall precautions needed

- Increase fluids

- Decrease amount if psychotic symptoms apparent

- Assist with relaxation

- Teach about the darkened urine and importance of skin checks

- Will need to spread out protein rich meals due to interaction. 

Interactions with levodopa/carbidopa

- Protein

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- Vitamin B6

What is levodopa/carbidopa used to treat?

- Parkinson’s disease

What are some of the effects of the cholinesterase inhibitors?

- Increase in salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, GI effect, emesis,

mucus (SLUDGEM)

What are some of the effects of the anticholinergic drugs?

- Can't see,

- Can't spit,

- Can't pee,

- Can't poop

What do cholinesterase inhibitors interact with?

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- Patients who have asthma- drug use can cause bronchoconstriction, will be

worse with patients who have asthma

What is interferon beta used for?

- MS exacerbations

How does interferon beta work?

- Suppresses wbc and leukocytes in the immune system

What are side effects from the use of interferon beta

- Flu like symptoms- fever

- Chills

- HA

- Body aches

- Hepatotoxicity

- Myelosuppression

- Injection site reactions

- Depression

- Suicidal thoughts 

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