Parkinson's/ Alzheimers

As the nurse you know that Parkinson's Disease tends to affect the ________ of the midbrain, which leads to the depletion of the neurotransmitter ________.

• red nucleus, acetylcholine

• leminisci, norepinephrine

• substantia nigra, dopamine

• tecum nigra, dopamine

True or False: Parkinson’s Disease most commonly affects patients in young adulthood, and there is currently no cure for the disease.

• True

• False

You’re caring for a patient with Parkinson’s Disease who has tremors. Select the option that is INCORRECT about tremors experienced in this disease:

• Tremors in this disease can occur in the hands, fingers, arms, legs and even the lips and tongue.

• Tremors are one of the most common signs and symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease.

• A common term used to describe the tremors in the hands and fingers is called “pill-rolling”.

• The tremors are most likely to occur with purposeful movements.

A patient with Parkinson’s Disease has slow movements that affects their swallowing, facial expressions, and ability to coordinate movements. As the nurse you will document the patient has:

• akinesia

• freeze up tremors

• bradykinesia

• pill-rolling

You’re providing free education to a local community group about the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Select all the signs and symptoms a patient could experience with this disease:

• Drooling

• Constipation

• Tremors with purposeful movement

• Shuffling of gait

• Freezing of extremities

You’re providing diet education to a patient with Parkinson’s Disease. Which statement below demonstrates the patient understood your teaching? Select all that apply:

• I will limit foods high in fiber like fruits and vegetables in my diet.

• I will be sure to drink 2 Liter of fluid per day.

• It is very common for me to experience diarrhea with this disease.

• I will avoid taking Carbidopa/Levodopa with a protein-rich meal.

A patient with Parkinson Disease is experiencing weight loss due to difficulty chewing and swallowing. Which meal option below is the best for this patient?

• Scrambled eggs with a side of cottage cheese

• Grilled cheese with apple slices

• Baked chicken with bacon slices.

• Tacos with refried beans

As the home health nurse you are helping a patient with Parkinson’s Disease get dressed. What item gathered by the patient to wear should NOT be worn?

• Velcro pants

• Pull over sweatshirt

• Non-slip socks

• Rubber sole shoes

A spouse of a husband who has Parkinson’s Disease explains to you that her husband experiences episodes while walking where he freezes and can’t move. She asks what can be done to help with these types of episodes to prevent injury. Select all the options that are correct:

• Wear rubber sole shoes

• Use a cane with a laser point while walking.

• Have the husband try to push through the freeze ups.

• Encourage the husband to consciously lift the legs while walking (as with marching).

A patient is prescribed to take Carbidopa/Levodopa (Sinemet). As the nurse you know that which statement is incorrect about this medication:

• It can take up to 3 weeks for the patient to notice a decrease in signs and symptoms when beginning treatment with this medication.

• Body fluids can turn a dark color and stain clothes.

• This medication is most commonly prescribed with a vitamin B6 supplement.

• Carbidopa helps to prevent Levodopa from being broken down in the blood before it enters the brain. Hence, levodopa is able to enter the brain.