Exam 1 Flashcards
Parkinson’s disease is a
chronic, terminal/fatal disease
Dopamine levels are __________ and acetylcholine levels are __________ in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
low; high
Acetylcholine levels are normal, but in relation to dopamine levels they are considered high.
What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease?
The cause is unknown. There could be a genetic or environmental factor.
What are secondary causes of Parkinson’s disease?
Antipsychotic drugs, tumor, or trauma (pseudo Parkinson sx)
Antipsychotic drugs drop dopamine levels; taking pts off meds will stop sx
Parkinson’s disease affects motor, cognitive, and ADL function.
True or false?
True
Parkinson’s disease are at an increased risk for falls and injury?
True or false?
True
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
-mask-like, blank expression
-pill rolling tremors (occurs most often at rest)
-loss of normal arm swing while walking
-shuffling, propulsive gait
-muscle rigidity (increased resistance to passive movement)
-cog wheel, jerky slow movement
-bradykinesia
-drooling
Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease
Onset between 40-70yo, male, possible predisposition, exposure to toxins/antipsychotic meds
Brain autopsy of patient with Parkinson’s disease reveals
lewy bodies and neuronal loss in the substania nigra
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Providers diagnose by ruling out other diseases
Stages of Parkinson’s disease
Stage 1 through 5
Stage 1 is mild
Stage 5 is completely dependent
Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease increase dopamine and decrease acetylcholine.
True or false
True
Dopaminergics
Trigger dopamine receptors to function
Ex: Levodopa-carbidopa
What does Levodopa do? What does Carbidopa do?
Levodopa is converted into dopamine. Carbidopa is used to decrease breakdown and help levodopa cross blood brain barrier.
How long do dopaminergics work? What is the next step?
Dopaminergics stop working after 5 years of use. Start addressing acetylcholine levels.
What medication is used to treat tremors in pts with Parkinson’s diease?
Triexphenidyl/Benztropine
What side effects should you look out for with Triexphenidyl/Benxtropine?
Monitor for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and possible confusion.
Triexphenidyl/Benztropine has DRYING effects.
What Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors is taken with Levodopa and why?
Entacapone
Only taken w/ Levodopa to decrease the breakdown of Levodopa.
MAO-B inhibitors are last resort because they interact w/everything. Increases dopamine. What foods should the patient avoid?
Foods with tyramine
Pts with Parkinson’s disease take antivirals to stimulate the release of dopamine and prevent its reuptake. What is a common antiviral taken by these pts?
Amantadine
What procedures are completed when PD pts do not respond to meds?
Ablative procedures (thalamotomy, pallidotomy), deep brain stimulation, and cell transplantation
Possible complications for PD pts & nursing care
Aspiration pneumonia
-Swallowing precautions, diet per speech therapy, maintain weight, high protein supplements
Altered cognition/mobility
-Provide safe environment
-PD pts require more time to complete tasks (walking, answering questions)
Huntington’s disease is a
Chronic, terminal/fatal disease
Is there a cure for Huntington’s disease?
no
Is Huntington’s disease hereditary?
yes, autosomal dominant
Risk factors for Huntington’s disease
genetics, Caucasian, 30-50yo (male or female)
This disease has an imbalance of dopamine, GABA, and glutamate from the basal ganglia.
Huntington’s disease
The earlier the sx associated with Huntington’s disease present; the more severe the disease is. Death will be sooner.
True or false
True
How quickly can juvenile sx cause death in HD?
within 10 years
Symptoms of Huntington’s disease
-progressive dementia, personality changes, mood swings, depression
-slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, weight loss
-Choreiform movements (uncontrolled, rapid movements/unsteady gait when sitting still)
Diagnostic testing for Huntington’s disease
Genetic testing, CT for frontal horn enlargement, MRI, and PET scan
Is there any neuroprotective/neurorestorative treatment available for Huntington’s disease?
No. Only supportive and symptomatic treatments.
Medications used for Huntington’s disease
-Tetrabenazine to suppress involuntary chorea movements. S/E include new or worsening depression, drowsiness, nausea, restlessness
-Other antipsychotics for psych sx
Possible complications for HD pts & nursing care
Complications: Decisional conflict r/t having children, aspiration pneumonia, altered cognition and mobility
Nursing care: Suicide prevention, encourage planning for residential and EOL care
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/ALS is also known as
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Stephen Hawking had this disease.
ALS is a
chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease
Is there a cure for ALS?
No
Is ALS fatal?
Yes. Most die within 3-5 years from start of sx.
ALS targets the CNS and brain. There is a loss of
voluntary movement control and weakness
What causes ALS?
the cause is unknown
Risk factors for ALS
more common in men, 40-60yo
Symptoms of ALS
Causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Clients lose the ability to speak, eat, and eventually breathe (paralysis of respiratory muscles).
Muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, dysarthria (uncoordinated speech), and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
What medications do ALS pts take & why?
Riluzole to decrease GABA and
Edaravone to reduce oxidative stress
ALS complications
Death anxiety r/t impending progressive loss of function leading to death
Nursing care for ALS pts
Palliative care for symptom management
Ex: Home health, EOL care
Multiple Sclerosis/MS is a
chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease
Autoimmune inflammatory as well
Is there a cure for Multiple Sclerosis/MS?
no
Do pts with Multiple Sclerosis/MS have a shorter lifespan?
No. They have a normal lifespan.
Risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis/MS
Women 2x greater risk than men, 20-50yo, whites of northern European ancestry
Disease that targets the brain & spinal cord (myelin sheath). Demyelination of white matter leads to decreased flow of nerve impulses.
Multiple Sclerosis/MS
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis/MS
-intention tremors
-fatigue
-diplopia
-Uthoff’s sign
-Nystagmus
-tinnitus
-decreased sexual function
-gait changes
-muscle spasticity
Over time can lead to tetraplegia (quadriplegia)
What causes Multiple Sclerosis/MS?
the cause is unknown
What can make Multiple Sclerosis/MS symptoms to worsen?
Symptoms worsen in extreme heat & cold, stress, infection, fatigue, and pregnancy
What medications do MS pts take?
-Interferon beta 1a and beta 1b (Causes flu like sx)
-Baclofen, dantrolene, diazepam (muscle relaxants)
-Medical marijuana to decrease pain, stiffness, and spasticity
-Dalfampridine to improve walking/gait
-Dexamethasone is a steroid to manage relapses (Increased risk of infection)
Why should MS pts avoid fatigue and overheating?
To minimize exacerbations
-If exacerbations are minimized, pt can live a relatively normal life
-w/ every exacerbation, MS gets worse
What does CSF of MS pts reveal?
CSF reveals elevated protein levels & slight increase in WBCs
What does a MRI of MS pts reveal?
MRI reveals plaques of the brain and spine
Evoke potential testing for MS pts
Give stimulation and see if sense is decreased
What is the cause of migraines?
Many triggers including genetics
Patho of migraines
Cerebral artery vasodilation –> prostaglandins released –> brain tissue inflammation