A patient has taken levodopa (Dopar) for Parkinson disease for 2 weeks but reports no improvements in the symptoms. Which response by the nurse is correct?

A. Suggesting that another agent will be needed after only 2 weeks is premature. Levodopa is typically the first-line therapy for Parkinson disease, and most patients require several weeks of consistent use before the effects on motor symptoms are noticeable. Early lack of improvement does not automatically mean the drug is ineffective or that a different medication is required. B. Levodopa often takes several weeks to months before patients observe significant improvements in symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. The nurse should educate the patient that the medication works gradually and that continued adherence to the prescribed regimen is essential. Reassurance helps maintain compliance and prevents premature discontinuation, which could worsen symptom control. C. While dose adjustments or changes in therapy may eventually be needed, these decisions should be made after an adequate trial period under provider supervision. It is too soon after only 2 weeks of therapy to assume the regimen is ineffective. D. Doubling the dose independently is unsafe. Levodopa can cause dose-dependent adverse effects including dyskinesias (involuntary movements), nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and psychiatric effects such as hallucinations or confusion. Patients should never adjust doses without provider guidance.