Free Parkinson's Knowledge Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The nursing diagnosis of Impaired Physical Mobility associated with Neuromuscular Impairment is given to patients with Parkinson's disease. All of these tasks are being performed by a nursing assistant, as you can see. What need do you have to step in?
- The NA reminds the patient not to look at his feet when he is walking
- The NA sets up the patient’s tray and encourages patient to feed himself.
- The NA assists the patient to ambulate to the bathroom and back to bed.
- The NA performs the patient’s complete bath and oral care. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The NA performs the patient’s complete bath and oral care.
For a patient with Parkinson's disease and impaired physical mobility, the nursing goal is to encourage maximum independence to maintain function and dignity. While a nursing assistant can provide assistance, performing a complete bath and oral care *for* the patient, rather than assisting them to perform these tasks themselves, indicates a missed opportunity for the patient to engage in self-care. A nurse should intervene to ensure the patient is encouraged to participate as much as possible.
Question 2: What sign or symptom of Parkinson's disease occurs most frequently?
- Cognitive changes
- Tremor or shaking (Correct answer)
- Impaired posture and balance
- Fatigue
Correct answer: Tremor or shaking
Tremor, particularly a resting tremor, is one of the cardinal and most recognizable symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is often the first symptom noticed by patients or their families. While other symptoms like bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability are also characteristic, tremor is frequently the initial and most prominent manifestation of the disease.
Question 3: A client with Parkinson's disease is being evaluated by a nurse. The following client behaviors help the nurse identify bradykinesia:
- Lack of spontaneous movement (Correct answer)
- Muscle spasm
- Paralysis of limbs
- Intentional tremor
Correct answer: Lack of spontaneous movement
Bradykinesia is a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease, characterized by extreme slowness of movement and difficulty initiating and executing voluntary movements. This manifests as reduced facial expressions (mask-like face), decreased blinking, difficulty with fine motor tasks, and a general 'lack of spontaneous movement.' It significantly impacts daily activities.
Question 4: The care plan for a 78-year-old man with Parkinson's disease who has been referred to your home health organization includes all of these nursing tasks. Which tasks will you provide a nursing assistant (NA) to complete?
- Monitor for improvement in tremor after levodopa (L-dopa) is given
- Check for orthostatic changes in pulse and bloods pressure (Correct answer)
- Adapt the patient’s preferred activities to his level of function
- Remind the patient to allow adequate time for meals. (Correct answer)
- Assist the patient with prescribed strengthening exercises (Correct answer)
- Monitor for abnormal involuntary jerky movements of extremities
Correct answer: Check for orthostatic changes in pulse and bloods pressure
Nursing assistants (NAs) are trained to perform basic care tasks, monitor vital signs, and assist with activities of daily living and exercises under the supervision of a registered nurse. Checking for orthostatic changes in vital signs, reminding patients about meal pacing, and assisting with prescribed exercises fall within the scope of an NA's practice. These tasks involve observation, reinforcement, and physical assistance, rather than complex assessment or medication management.
Question 5: Levodopa has been prescribed to a patient to treat Parkinson's disease. Which of the following should the nurse include in the client's lesson plan regarding typical adverse effects of levodopa?
- Peptic ulcer
- Postural hypotension (Correct answer)
- Weight loss
- Pancytopenia
Correct answer: Postural hypotension
Levodopa, a primary medication for Parkinson's disease, can cause several significant side effects, with postural (orthostatic) hypotension being a common and important one. This occurs due to the drug's effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to a drop in blood pressure upon standing. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and increase the risk of falls, making patient education crucial.
Question 6: A customer with Parkinson's disease is given the care of a nurse. What nursing interventions are crucial if the nurse wants to enhance the client's nutrition and encourage efficient swallowing?
- Give liquids with meals
- Eat solid food
- Sit in an upright position to eat (Correct answer)
- Feed the client
Correct answer: Sit in an upright position to eat
For patients with Parkinson's disease, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is common due to muscle rigidity and bradykinesia. Sitting in an upright position (preferably 90 degrees) during meals is crucial because it helps gravity assist with food passage, reduces the risk of aspiration (food entering the airway), and promotes more efficient and safer swallowing, thereby enhancing nutrition.
Free Parkinson's Knowledge Question and Answers
The nursing diagnosis of Impaired Physical Mobility associated with Neuromuscular Impairment is given to patients with Parkinson's disease.
All of these tasks are being performed by a nursing assistant, as you can see.
What need do you have to step in?