NUR 2474 Pharmacology Module 2

NUR 2474 Pharmacology Module 2

• Action

Answer Levodopa/Carbidopa

levodopa converts dopamine in the brain; carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylase in the liver allowing more levodopa to reach the BBB (blood brain barrier)

• Nursing Considerations

Answer Levodopa/Carbidopa

-Observe symptoms of Parkinson'd Disease

• Assess for dyskinesia

-Administer meds with low-protein foods and avoid tyramine -Assess for postural hypotension -Don't abruptly stop medication -Urine and perspiration discoloration (black, brown, red)

• Cholinergic Agonists

Answer -drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system

-stimulates the rest and digest response

• Side effects

Answer Cholinergic Agonists

• rest and digest

• N/V

-diarrhea 1 / 2

• bradycardia
• hypotension

-diziness/lightheadedness -lacrimation

• salivation
• fainting
• headache
• urinary frequency
• GI upset
• diaphoresis

• Direct & Indirect Differences

Answer Cholinergic Agonists

-Direct

Do not have nicotinic receptors

-Indirect

Has nicotinic and muscarnic receptors

• Action

Answer Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Inhibits acetylcholinesterase thus improving cholinergic function by making more acetylcholine available

• Nursing Considersations

Answer Cholinesterase Inhibitors

• Assess for Alzhemier's Disease S/Sx

• diaphoresis
• lacrimation
• / 2