The nurse is caring for a patient prescribed levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The nurse knows to assess this patient for which of the following side effects?

Explanation

• Levodopa is a dopaminergic medication. It increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which helps relieve Parkinson's symptoms, but can also cause psychosis. Antipsychotics generally reduce dopamine levels in the brain, which can cause Parkinson-like symptoms.

• The side effects of dopaminergic medications include psychosis, nausea, dizziness, postural hypotension, constipation, and dry mouth.

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