A nurse should anticipate prescribing which medication to alleviate physiological responses in a client with Parkinson disease?

Levodopa is a cornerstone treatment for Parkinson's disease and is considered the most effective medication for alleviating the motor symptoms associated with the condition. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain due to neurodegeneration, leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Levodopa works by replenishing the dopamine levels in the brain, thereby improving the motor symptoms more effectively than other medications. When administered, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine, thus directly addressing the underlying issue of dopamine deficiency and helping restore more normal movement control.

Other medications listed serve different purposes or functions in the management of Parkinson’s disease. For instance, Ropinirole and Pramipexole are dopamine agonists, meaning they mimic the action of dopamine; they are often used in conjunction with Levodopa or for patients who may not yet require Levodopa therapy. Selegiline is a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of existing dopamine but does not replace it like Levodopa does. While these drugs can be valuable in a comprehensive treatment plan, Levodopa is typically the drug of choice for immediately alleviating physiological