A nurse is caring for a 68-year-old male client on a medical-surgical unit. A nurse is providing client teaching on the newly prescribed medication. Which of the following statements made by the client indicate an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of carbidopa-levodopa due to its vasodilatory effects and impact on the autonomic nervous system. Patients may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up quickly, caused by a drop in blood pressure. Normal blood pressure ranges around 120/80 mm Hg, and sudden decreases can lead to falls, especially in Parkinson’s disease patients who already have balance issues. Choice B rationale: Wearing-off phenomenon is common with carbidopa-levodopa therapy. This occurs when medication effects diminish before the next dose, causing symptom recurrence such as bradykinesia and tremor. The medication has a relatively short half-life, and patients often report fluctuation in symptom control, especially as disease progresses. Understanding this helps manage expectations and medication timing. Choice C rationale: High-protein diets can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, as dietary amino acids compete with levodopa for transport across the intestinal mucosa and the blood-brain barrier. Patients are typically advised to moderate protein intake during dosing times to maximize medication effectiveness, rather than increase protein consumption. Choice D rationale: Levodopa is best absorbed on an empty stomach because food, particularly proteins, delays gastric emptying and competes with levodopa for absorption. Taking the medication 30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals improves bioavailability and symptom control. This knowledge helps optimize medication efficacy. Choice E rationale: Parkinson’s symptoms usually do not resolve within days of starting carbidopa-levodopa. It often takes weeks to months for optimal symptom control and dose adjustments. Patients should understand that this medication manages symptoms but is not a cure and requires ongoing therapy.