Generic Name
Carbidopa/levodopa
Trade Name
Sinemet
Indication
Parkinson’s disease
Action
Levodopa is converted to dopamine and works as a neurotransmitter, carbidopa
prevents the destruction of levodopa allowing it to cross the blood brain barrier
Therapeutic Class
Antiparkinson agent
Pharmacologic Class
Dopamine Agonist
Nursing Considerations
• May cause orthostatic hypotension
• May cause dark urine
• Weeks to months to take effect
• Do not use with MAOIs
• Do not use with glaucoma, melanoma
• Assess for parkinsonian symptoms
• Instruct patient to take as directed
Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:
- Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
- Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
- Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
- Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
- Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.
For more information, visit www.nrsng.com/cornell
