A 65-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The nurse observes tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity during the assessment. Which intervention is most appropriate for promoting mobility in this patient?
a) Administering a sedative medication
b) Encouraging passive range of motion exercises
c) Promoting regular physical activity and ambulation
d) Applying cold packs to affected muscle groups
e) Administering a muscle relaxant
Rationale: Regular physical activity and ambulation are essential in managing Parkinson’s disease. Exercise helps improve mobility, balance, and flexibility in patients with Parkinson’s. It also aids in preventing complications such as contractures. Sedatives, muscle relaxants, and cold packs are not recommended as they may worsen the symptoms or cause adverse effects. Correct Answer: c) Promoting regular physical activity and ambulation
POP QUIZ Question for NCLEX
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A patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. The nurse understands that the therapeutic effects of this medication are primarily related to:
a) Increasing dopamine levels in the brain
b) Reducing acetylcholine production
c) Enhancing serotonin release
d) Blocking glutamate receptors
e) Inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake
Rationale: Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, and carbidopa enhances its conversion to dopamine in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, and this medication helps alleviate symptoms by increasing dopamine levels. The other options are unrelated to the mechanism of action of levodopa/carbidopa. Correct Answer: a) Increasing dopamine levels in the brain
NCLEX Questions Critical Thinking: Parkinson’s Symptoms
A patient with Parkinson’s disease is experiencing “wearing-off” phenomena, where the medication’s effectiveness diminishes before the next dose. The nurse identifies this as a concern related to:
a) Tolerance to the medication
b) Development of drug-induced dyskinesias
c) On-off fluctuations
d) Medication non-compliance
e) Inadequate dosage
Rationale: “Wearing-off” phenomena in Parkinson’s disease refer to the on-off fluctuations where the medication’s effectiveness diminishes before the next dose. This is not related to tolerance, dyskinesias, non-compliance, or inadequate dosage. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for optimizing medication management and improving overall quality of life for the patient with Parkinson’s disease. Correct Answer: c) On-off fluctuations
NCLEX Review: Parkinson’s Disease Treatments
A 72-year-old patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and the healthcare provider prescribes carbidopa/levodopa. The nurse educates the patient about potential adverse effects. Which statement by the patient indicates a correct understanding of the medication?
a) “I should take the medication with a high-protein meal.”
b) “I can discontinue the medication if my symptoms improve.”
c) “I should take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.”
d) “I can crush the tablets and mix them with applesauce for easier ingestion.”
e) “I should avoid fruits and vegetables while on this medication.”
Rationale: Carbidopa/levodopa is best absorbed on an empty stomach. High-protein meals can interfere with absorption, and taking it with food may reduce its effectiveness. Crushing the tablets or discontinuing the medication without consulting the healthcare provider can lead to altered drug effects. Avoiding fruits and vegetables is not necessary, and the patient should maintain a balanced diet. Correct Answer: c) “I should take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.”
NCLEX Focus Exploring Parkinson’s: Causes and Diagnosis
A 68-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease presents with dysphagia and difficulty swallowing. The nurse recognizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly to prevent complications. What intervention should the nurse prioritize? a) Administering antiemetic medication
b) Recommending a soft diet with thin liquids
c) Encouraging the patient to drink carbonated beverages
d) Administering a bronchodilator
e) Scheduling the patient for a dental check-up
Rationale: Dysphagia is common in Parkinson’s disease, and a soft diet with thin liquids helps prevent aspiration. Antiemetic medication, carbonated beverages, and bronchodilators are not directly related to addressing dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease. A dental check-up is important but does not address the immediate concern of dysphagia. Correct Answer: b) Recommending a soft diet with thin liquids
Understanding Parkinson’s: NCLEX Priority Questions
A 60-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease is admitted to the hospital for worsening symptoms. The nurse is assessing for potential complications and recognizes the need for vigilant monitoring of:
a) Hypertension
b) Hyperglycemia
c) Hypothermia
d) Hypotension
e) Hyponatremia
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease can be associated with autonomic dysfunction, leading to orthostatic hypotension. Vigilant monitoring is crucial to prevent falls and other complications. While other conditions may occur in Parkinson’s disease, hypotension is particularly important to monitor due to its impact on the patient’s safety and overall well-being. Correct Answer: d) Hypotension
Understanding Parkinson’s: NCLEX Delegation Questions
A 70-year-old patient recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed a dopamine agonist, pramipexole. The nurse provides education about potential side effects. Which symptom should the patient report immediately to the healthcare provider?
a) Dry mouth
b) Drowsiness
c) Constipation
d) Visual hallucinations
e) Increased appetite
Rationale: Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, is associated with side effects such as visual hallucinations. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial as it may indicate a need for medication adjustment or evaluation for other possible causes. Dry mouth, drowsiness, and increased appetite are common side effects but generally not urgent concerns. Correct Answer: d) Visual hallucinations
Understanding Parkinson’s: Causes and Symptoms
A 65-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease is prescribed selegiline, a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor. The nurse instructs the patient to avoid certain foods to prevent a potential interaction. Which dietary restriction is essential for the patient to follow?
a) Low-sodium diet
b) Low-fat diet
c) Low-carbohydrate diet
d) Tyramine-containing foods
e) High-fiber diet
Rationale: MAO-B inhibitors, like selegiline, can interact with tyramine-containing foods, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis. Educating the patient to avoid these foods, such as aged cheese and cured meats, is essential to prevent serious complications. The other dietary restrictions are not specifically associated with MAO-B inhibitors. Correct Answer: d) Tyramine-containing foods
