Free Parkinson's Trivia Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: For a patient with Parkinson's disease, levodopa is prescribed. The nurse should be aware of the following before administering the medication:
- Levodopa may cause the side effects of orthostatic hypotension (Correct answer)
- Levodopa is inadequately absorbed if given with meals.
- Levodopa causes an initial euphoria followed by depression
- Levodopa must be monitored by weekly laboratory tests.
Correct answer: Levodopa may cause the side effects of orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a well-known and common side effect of levodopa therapy for Parkinson's disease. Before administering the medication, nurses must be aware of this risk to monitor the patient's blood pressure, educate them on slow position changes, and implement fall precautions. This proactive approach ensures patient safety and helps manage potential adverse effects.
Question 2: Which of the following causes dementia the most frequently among elderly people?
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gerhig’s disease)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease (Correct answer)
- Multiple sclerosis
Correct answer: Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia among older adults, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases. While Parkinson's disease can lead to dementia in its later stages, Alzheimer's is significantly more common as the primary cause of progressive cognitive decline and memory loss in the elderly population.
Question 3: When evaluating a patient, the nurse observes Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs. Which of the following illnesses exhibits these two defining symptoms?
- Meningitis (Correct answer)
- Seizure disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Correct answer: Meningitis
Brudzinski's sign (involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed) and Kernig's sign (pain and resistance when extending the knee with the hip flexed) are classic clinical signs indicative of meningeal irritation. These signs are primarily associated with meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and are crucial for its diagnosis.
Question 4: A client with Parkinson's disease receiving care from a nurse has been taking carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) for a year. Which unfavorable side effects will the nurse keep an eye on the client for?
- Glaucoma
- Respiratory depression
- Dykinesia
- Hypotension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hypotension
Carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) is a combination medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. While it effectively reduces motor symptoms, common side effects include hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing). The nurse must monitor for this to prevent dizziness and falls, which are significant safety concerns for patients on this medication.
Question 5: A client with Parkinson's disease is being taught by the nurse how to stop the condition's accompanying spinal curvatures. The nurse should instruct the client to refrain from:
- Sleep only in dorsal recumbent position
- Sleep on either side but keep his back straight
- Periodically lie prone without a neck pillow (Correct answer)
- Rest in supine position with his head elevated
Correct answer: Periodically lie prone without a neck pillow
Patients with Parkinson's disease are prone to developing a flexed posture and spinal curvatures like kyphosis due to muscle rigidity. Periodically lying in a prone position (on the stomach) without a neck pillow helps to stretch the anterior muscles and extend the spine. This intervention promotes better postural alignment and helps prevent the progression of spinal deformities, counteracting the tendency towards flexion.
Question 6: Which of the following should the nurse advise the Parkinson's disease patient to stay away from?
- Sitting on the deck on a cool summer evening
- Sitting on the beach in the sun on a summer day (Correct answer)
- Walking in an indoor shopping mall
- Walking to the car on a cold winter day
Correct answer: Sitting on the beach in the sun on a summer day
Patients with Parkinson's disease can have impaired thermoregulation and are more susceptible to heat intolerance and dehydration. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures, such as sitting on a beach on a summer day, can exacerbate these issues. This can lead to overheating, increased fatigue, and potentially worsen symptoms, making it crucial for them to avoid such conditions.
Question 7: Which of the following conditions is characterized by decreasing dopamine levels brought on by the death of pigmented neuronal cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain's basal ganglia?
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease (Correct answer)
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Correct answer: Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson's disease is fundamentally characterized by the progressive degeneration and death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a specific area within the basal ganglia of the brain. This deficiency in dopamine leads to the characteristic motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, defining the condition.
Free Parkinson's Trivia Question and Answers
For a patient with Parkinson's disease, levodopa is prescribed.
The nurse should be aware of the following before administering the medication: