Neuro Degenerative Flashcards
What is Parkinson’s disease characterized by?
Increased muscle tone, tremor at rest, impaired postural reflexes, slowness in movement initiation and execution
What is the acronym used to remember the classic manifestations of Parkinson’s disease?
TRAP
What does ‘T’ in TRAP stand for in relation to Parkinson’s disease?
Tremor
What does ‘R’ in TRAP stand for in relation to Parkinson’s disease?
Rigidity
What does ‘A’ in TRAP stand for in relation to Parkinson’s disease?
Akinesia (bradykinesia)
What does ‘P’ in TRAP stand for in relation to Parkinson’s disease?
Postural instability
What are some common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Urinary retention
- Constipation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Memory changes
What is the primary goal of drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease?
To correct an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the CNS
What type of drugs are used in the management of Parkinson’s disease?
- Dopaminergic drugs (e.g., Levodopa/Carbidopa)
- Anticholinergic drugs
What is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
A rare progressive neurologic disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord
What are the typical symptoms of ALS?
- Weakness of the upper extremities
- Dysarthria
- Dysphagia
What is the life expectancy of a patient diagnosed with ALS?
Typically 2 to 6 years
What is the hereditary pattern of Huntington’s disease?
Genetically transmitted, autosomal dominant disorder
What is a common characteristic of Huntington’s disease?
Abnormal and excessive involuntary movements (chorea)
What is dementia?
A syndrome characterized by dysfunction or loss of memory, orientation, attention, language, judgment, and reasoning
What are the two most common causes of dementia?
- Neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease)
- Vascular disorders
What is vascular dementia also known as?
Multi-infarct dementia
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
What is a common early sign of Alzheimer’s disease?
Subtle deterioration in memory
What behavioral problems may occur in patients with Alzheimer’s disease?
- Repetitiveness
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Altered sleeping patterns
What is ‘sundowning’ in Alzheimer’s disease?
Increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is one of exclusion; no single clinical test can be used
What nursing strategies can address difficult behavior in Alzheimer’s patients?
- Redirection
- Distraction
- Reassurance
What is a critical nursing role when managing sundowning?
Managing the patient’s environment to reduce confusion
What are common risks associated with patients with dementia?
- Injury from falls
- Wandering
- Injury from sharp objects
- Inability to respond to crisis situations
What is the rationale for using an enteral feeding tube in a patient with Parkinson’s disease?
To prevent aspiration due to inability to swallow
What must be done before and after administering medications through an enteral feeding tube?
Crush medications and perform a sterile water flush
What is the Monro-Kellie hypothesis?
Explains the dynamic equilibrium of cranial contents and how changes in volume affect intracranial pressure
What are potential symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Altered consciousness
What is the priority nursing care for a patient post spinal cord tumor removal?
Monitoring for return of reflexes
What should be done first when a patient with a brain tumor experiences a seizure?
Turn the patient to the side
What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with dementia related to impaired memory?
Maintain familiar routines of sleep, meals, drug administration, and activities
What are early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease compared to normal forgetfulness?
- Forgetting a colleague’s name at a party
- Repeatedly misplacing car keys
- Leaving a pot on the stove
- Forgetting to serve or eat a meal
What is the priority intervention for a patient with dementia who becomes aggressive?
Assess for unmet need
What is the priority intervention for a patient with dementia who becomes aggressive?
Modification of environmental or physical factors
Medications are not the first-line intervention.
What are the causes of problematic behaviors in dementia usually related to?
Some type of unmet need
This can include physical discomfort or emotional distress.
What is a technique called where many staff are made available in the milieu to prevent behavioral violence?
Show of force
This technique may increase fear in patients with dementia.
When should restraints be used for patients with dementia?
As a last resort only after all other techniques have been unsuccessful
Restraints should not be the first option.
Which of the following factors contribute to aggressive behaviors in dementia? (Select all that apply)
- Music
- Disorientation
- Feelings of frustration
- Pain
- Constipation
Music is usually calming, while disorientation and frustration can trigger aggression.
True or False: Respectful conversation facilitates trust with dementia patients.
True
It is important for building rapport.
Fill in the blank: Factors that contribute to aggressive behaviors in dementia include _______.
[Disorientation, feelings of frustration, pain, constipation]
These factors may lead to aggressive outbursts due to unmet needs.
