ATI Pharmacology Parkinson's
and Alzheimer's Medications
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1. A client with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed
levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary purpose of
carbidopa?
A. Enhances dopamine release in the brain
B. Prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa
C. Increases acetylcholine levels
D. Blocks dopamine receptors in the CNS
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylation of
levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and
reducing side effects like nausea.
,2. Which instruction should the nurse include for a client
taking levodopa?
A. Increase high-protein foods
B. Take medication with high-fat meals
C. Avoid sudden discontinuation
D. Take with antacids
Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of levodopa can lead to
neuroleptic malignant–like syndrome and severe rigidity.
3. A client taking selegiline should avoid which food?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
C. Rice
D. Apples
Answer: B
Rationale: Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor at high doses;
tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese can cause hypertensive
crisis.
4. What is the primary action of donepezil in Alzheimer’s
disease?
A. Blocks dopamine receptors
B. Inhibits acetylcholinesterase
C. Increases serotonin levels
D. Reduces glutamate release
,Answer: B
Rationale: Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing
acetylcholine levels in the brain.
5. Which adverse effect is most common with levodopa
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hypertension
C. Nausea
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Nausea is common due to dopamine stimulation in
the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
6. A client taking memantine should be monitored for which
effect?
A. Liver toxicity
B. Improved motor function
C. Cognitive improvement stabilization
D. Severe hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Memantine helps slow progression of moderate-
to-severe Alzheimer’s disease by regulating glutamate
activity.
, 7. Which medication is used to treat Parkinson’s tremors by
blocking acetylcholine?
A. Amantadine
B. Benztropine
C. Levodopa
D. Rivastigmine
Answer: B
Rationale: Benztropine is an anticholinergic that reduces
tremors and rigidity.
8. What is a priority assessment for a client taking
bromocriptine?
A. Blood glucose
B. Blood pressure
C. Lung sounds
D. Reflexes
Answer: B
Rationale: Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) can cause
orthostatic hypotension.
9. Which symptom indicates toxicity of anticholinergic drugs
used in Parkinson’s disease?
A. Diarrhea
B. Excessive salivation
C. Urinary retention
D. Bradycardia
and Alzheimer's Medications
Exam Latest Practice
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A client with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed
levodopa/carbidopa. What is the primary purpose of
carbidopa?
A. Enhances dopamine release in the brain
B. Prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa
C. Increases acetylcholine levels
D. Blocks dopamine receptors in the CNS
Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa inhibits peripheral decarboxylation of
levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and
reducing side effects like nausea.
,2. Which instruction should the nurse include for a client
taking levodopa?
A. Increase high-protein foods
B. Take medication with high-fat meals
C. Avoid sudden discontinuation
D. Take with antacids
Answer: C
Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal of levodopa can lead to
neuroleptic malignant–like syndrome and severe rigidity.
3. A client taking selegiline should avoid which food?
A. Bananas
B. Aged cheese
C. Rice
D. Apples
Answer: B
Rationale: Selegiline is a MAO-B inhibitor at high doses;
tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese can cause hypertensive
crisis.
4. What is the primary action of donepezil in Alzheimer’s
disease?
A. Blocks dopamine receptors
B. Inhibits acetylcholinesterase
C. Increases serotonin levels
D. Reduces glutamate release
,Answer: B
Rationale: Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, increasing
acetylcholine levels in the brain.
5. Which adverse effect is most common with levodopa
therapy?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hypertension
C. Nausea
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Nausea is common due to dopamine stimulation in
the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
6. A client taking memantine should be monitored for which
effect?
A. Liver toxicity
B. Improved motor function
C. Cognitive improvement stabilization
D. Severe hypotension
Answer: C
Rationale: Memantine helps slow progression of moderate-
to-severe Alzheimer’s disease by regulating glutamate
activity.
, 7. Which medication is used to treat Parkinson’s tremors by
blocking acetylcholine?
A. Amantadine
B. Benztropine
C. Levodopa
D. Rivastigmine
Answer: B
Rationale: Benztropine is an anticholinergic that reduces
tremors and rigidity.
8. What is a priority assessment for a client taking
bromocriptine?
A. Blood glucose
B. Blood pressure
C. Lung sounds
D. Reflexes
Answer: B
Rationale: Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) can cause
orthostatic hypotension.
9. Which symptom indicates toxicity of anticholinergic drugs
used in Parkinson’s disease?
A. Diarrhea
B. Excessive salivation
C. Urinary retention
D. Bradycardia
