A nurse is teaching a client newly started on levodopa-carbi… | MyMerci
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Question
A nurse is teaching a client newly started on levodopa-carbidopa about diet timing. Which client statement indicates the teaching has been effective?
1"I will take my medication only with a high-fat snack."
2"I will take my medication with a glass of milk to coat my stomach."
3"I will take my medication 30 minutes before or 1 hour after meals high in protein."✓ Correct answer
4"I will eat extra protein-rich foods to enhance the medication."
Explanation
Correct (2): Dietary protein (especially large neutral amino acids) competes with levodopa for absorption in the small intestine and transport across the blood-brain barrier, blunting drug effect. Best practice: take levodopa 30 minutes before or 1 hour after protein-rich meals. (1) Milk is protein-rich. (3) Extra protein decreases efficacy. (4) High-fat delays absorption without aiding it.
In-depth explanation
Memory Tip Levodopa + Protein = Competition. Empty stomach is ideal but if nausea: take with a small low-protein snack (crackers). Caution AVOID vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) supplements unless co-administered with carbidopa — B6 accelerates peripheral levodopa breakdown.