Michael, at 45 years of age, could not believe his ears when the health care provider told him he had PD. “Isn’t that an old person’s disease?” he asked. However, he knew something had been very wrong...

Michael, at 45 years of age, could not believe his ears when the health care provider told him he had PD. “Isn’t that an old person’s disease?” he asked. However, he knew something had been very wrong for about 3 months. At first, he felt more tired than usual, and he noticed a slight tremor, especially when he became fatigued. Michael’s wife pointed out that his “handshakes” were getting worse. Like many people first diagnosed with a degenerative nervous system disease, Michael has many questions and concerns. Following are just a few of his questions. As his nurse, how would you respond?

1. What physiological problem causes PD and what is the etiology of this disease? How could a nurse describe this etiology to Michael?

2. Eventually, Michael is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) for his parkinsonism. How does this medication work? What is the advantage of combining the two medications?

3. What drug-related adverse effects would you discuss with Michael?