Parkinson's Parkinson's Caregiving and Daily Living 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Constipation in Parkinson's disease is best managed with which dietary approach?
- Increased fluid intake and dietary fiber (Correct answer)
- Low-fiber diet
- Increased red meat consumption
- Reduced vegetable intake
Correct answer: Increased fluid intake and dietary fiber
Adequate hydration and dietary fiber are first-line non-pharmacological approaches to managing constipation in Parkinson's disease, which results from slowed gastrointestinal motility.
Question 2: Which safety device is most recommended for Parkinson's patients who are at high risk of falling in the bathroom?
- Grab bars and shower seat (Correct answer)
- Bath mat only
- Non-slip socks
- Lower toilet seat
Correct answer: Grab bars and shower seat
Grab bars installed near the toilet and in the shower, combined with a shower seat, provide the greatest fall prevention benefit in the bathroom for Parkinson's patients.
Question 3: Caregiver burnout in Parkinson's disease is best addressed by:
- Respite care and support groups (Correct answer)
- Increasing caregiver responsibilities
- Avoiding outside help to maintain privacy
- Limiting social contact
Correct answer: Respite care and support groups
Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, while support groups offer emotional support and practical strategies, both being essential for preventing caregiver burnout.
Question 4: Which driving-related recommendation applies to most people with Parkinson's disease?
- Driving fitness should be formally evaluated by an occupational therapist or driving specialist (Correct answer)
- Driving should stop immediately at diagnosis
- Driving is always safe if on medication
- Self-assessment is sufficient to determine driving safety
Correct answer: Driving fitness should be formally evaluated by an occupational therapist or driving specialist
A formal driving evaluation by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist is recommended, as self-assessment is unreliable in Parkinson's patients.
Question 5: Urinary urgency and frequency in Parkinson's disease is most often caused by:
- Neurogenic overactive bladder (Correct answer)
- Urinary tract infection only
- Prostate enlargement exclusively
- Diuretic medication
Correct answer: Neurogenic overactive bladder
Parkinson's disease causes neurogenic overactive bladder due to loss of dopaminergic inhibition of the micturition reflex, leading to urgency, frequency, and nocturia.
Question 6: Which communication strategy is most helpful when talking with a person with Parkinson's who has soft speech (hypophonia)?
- Face the person, reduce background noise, and allow extra time (Correct answer)
- Speak loudly over them to model normal volume
- Use only written communication
- Ask yes/no questions exclusively
Correct answer: Face the person, reduce background noise, and allow extra time
Facing the person to enable lip-reading, reducing background noise, and allowing extra response time are the most effective communication adaptations for hypophonia in Parkinson's.
Parkinson's Parkinson's Caregiving and Daily Living 2
Constipation in Parkinson's disease is best managed with which dietary approach?