[Verified Answer]: A 73-year-old patient with Parkinson’s…

A 73-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease has been taking Selegiline 1.25 mg PO daily. The Selegiline dose is increased to 2.5 mg PO daily, orally disintegrating tablets. The nurse reviews the following drug reference information: Route/Dosage PO (Adults): Capsules or tablets—5 mg twice daily with breakfast and lunch (some patients may require further dividing of doses—2.5 mg 4 times daily). Orally disintegrating tablets—1.25 mg once daily for less than 6 wk. After 6 wk, may increase to 2.5 mg once daily if effect not achieved and patient is tolerating medication. Nursing Implications PO: Administer 5-mg tablet with breakfast and lunch. Administer orally disintegrating tablets in the morning, before breakfast and without liquid. Remove tablet gently from blister pack with clean, dry hands immediately before administering. Do not attempt to push tablet through backing. Tablet will disintegrate within sec when placed on tongue. Avoid food or liquid within 5 min of administering orally disintegrating tablets. Contraindications/Precautions Use Cautiously in: Geri: Increased risk of orthostatic hypotension in older adults. What is the correct action taken by the nurse? Instruct the patient to swallow the tablet with plenty of water. Administer the tablet with breakfast or lunch. Inform the patient that the drug dose will change in 6 weeks. Instruct patient to change positions slowly.