American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is the standard treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease?

1. Ropinirole

2. Levodopa-carbidopa

3. Bromocriptine

4. Pramipexole

The correct answer is: Levodopa-carbidopa

Levodopa-carbidopa is considered the standard treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease because it effectively addresses the core symptoms of the condition. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain, which leads to motor control issues such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine that the brain can convert into the neurotransmitter, helping to replenish the low levels of dopamine in patients with Parkinson's. Carbidopa is combined with levodopa to prevent levodopa from being converted to dopamine outside the brain, which not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also reduces side effects such as nausea. While other medications, such as ropinirole, bromocriptine, and pramipexole, are used as treatment options for Parkinson's disease, they are generally considered adjunct treatments or are used in specific situations. These alternatives can help manage symptoms in patients who may not respond well to levodopa alone or can be used to manage early-stage Parkinson's before levodopa treatment is initiated. However, levodopa-carbidopa remains the cornerstone of therapy for its potent efficacy in alleviating the primary symptoms associated with the