2.7 Anti-Parkinsonian Drugs

Question 1

Describe Parkinson’s disease

Answer 1

Chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain

Question 2

What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 2

an imbalance of the two neurotransmitters Dopamine and Acetylcholine (ACh)

A decrease in dopamine is the result of the imbalance

Question 3

The condition caused by too much dopamine is called

Answer 3

Dyskenesia

Question 4

Drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease is aimed at

Answer 4

Increasing levels of dopamine as long as there are functioning nerve terminals remaining (Levopoda)

Antagonizes or blocks the effects of ACh

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of PD include

Answer 5

Masklike expression
Speech problems
Dysphagia
Rigidity of arms, legs, and neck

Question 6

Assessment for anti-parkinsonian drugs

Answer 6

Assess for S&S
Assess for contraindications

Question 7

Nursing Implications for anti-parkinsonian drugs include

Answer 7

When starting dopaminergic agents, assist client with walking because of dizziness that may occur

Oral doses should be given with food to minimize GI upset

Teach clients about therapeutic and side/adverse effects to expect with antiparkinsonian drug therapy

Question 8

Clients taking anti-parkinsonian drugs should be avoiding chicken, nuts, fish, green beans, field salad, wheat germ, liver. These foods are all high in what vitamin?

Answer 8

Vitamin B6

Question 9

How much fluid a day should a patient be taking with anti-parkinsonian drugs?

Answer 9

2000mL/day

Question 10

Pyridoxine doses greater than ___ mg will reverse the effects of levodopa

Answer 10

10mg

Question 11

Taking Levodopa with MAOI’s (fermented foods) will result in a ____ crisis

Answer 11

Hypertensive

Question 12

T/F clients should discontinue this medication suddenly

Answer 12

False. Nurses should teach this to patients.

Question 13

What effect does levodopa have on urine and sweat?

Answer 13

It darkens their colour