Neurodegenerative Disorders

Question 1

Chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects posture, balance, & movement

Answer 1

Parkinson’s Disease

Question 2

Symptoms: Rigidity, bradykinesia, gait disturbances, tremors, flat affect

Answer 2

Parkinson’s Disease

Question 3

Bradykinesia

Answer 3

Slow movement

Question 4

Indication for Levodopa/Carbidopa

Answer 4

Parkinson’s Disease

Question 5

What medications goes with these side effects?
- Urine/sweat discoloration
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dysphagia
- Dyskinesia
- Blurry vision

Answer 5

Levodopa/Carbidopa

Question 6

Adverse effects of Levodopa/Carbidopa?

Answer 6

Orthostatic hypotension & dysrhythmias

Question 7

What medications are considered Dopaminergics?

Answer 7

-Levodopa/Carbidopa

Question 8

What patient education would you teach for Levodopa/Carbidopa?

Answer 8

• Change positions slowly (Orthostatic hypotension)
• Do not abruptly discontinue (May cause worsening of symptoms)
• Potential for urine discoloration
• May take weeks/months before improvement
• Can take w/ food but may decrease absorption (avoid high protein)

Question 9

A patient beginning Levodopa therapy for Parkinson’s disease asks how long it will take for the medication to relieve symptoms. Which is the best response by the nurse?
A) Maximum symptom control occurs when top dosage is reached in 14 to 21 days.”
B) “Symptom relief is immediate but will vary with stress and fatigue level.”
C) “Because a loading dose is given, the maximum effects of the drug are seen in 24 to 48 hours.”
D) “The full therapeutic effect of the drug will not be apparent for up to 6 months.”

Answer 9

D) Full therapeutic effect may take up to 6 months B/C it is a neuro medication so it takes a while for the brain to adjust to the new substance and distribute to the body

Question 10

What is Amantadine used for?

Answer 10

Parkinson Disease

Question 11

What medication class does Amantadine belong to?

Answer 11

Dopamine Receptor Antagonists (DRA)

Question 12

You should not use this medication in patients with renal failure or dialysis

Answer 12

Amantadine

Question 13

Side effects of this medication include blurred vision, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and insomnia

Answer 13

Amantadine

Question 14

What are the adverse effects of Amantadine?

Answer 14

• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dysrhythmias

Question 15

What should you teach a patient about taking Dopamine Receptor Antagonists? (Amantadine)

Answer 15

• Change positions slowly (Orthostatic hypotension)
• Do not abruptly stop taking medication (May worsen symptoms)
• Drug tolerance may develop (Body can get used to the medication and may stop helping the condition)
• Can take w/ food but can decrease absorption

Question 16

What medication is included in the medication class of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors?

Answer 16

Rivastigmine

Question 17

What is Rivastigmine used for?

Answer 17

Alzheimer’s Disease

Question 18

You should avoid this medication in patient’s who have liver/renal disease and bradycardia

Answer 18

Rivastigmine

Question 19

These side effects are associated with what medication?

• GI upset
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Bradycardia
• Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Answer 19

Rivastigmine

Question 20

What should the nurse do while taking care of a patient taking Rivastigmine?

Answer 20

• Assess for memory & judgement loss (To assess effectiveness of the medication)
• Maintain consistency in care (To avoid stressing the patient)
• Monitor HR periodically (May cause bradycardia)
• Include support people in education

Question 21

What kind of patient teaching will you do for someone who is taking a Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (Rivastigmine)?

Answer 21

• Educate family about home safety (Fall precautions)
• Educate to stand slowly (Orthostatic hypotension)
• Monitor liver function (AST, ALT labs)
• Medication is to manage symptoms NOT treat disease

Question 22

A nurse is instructing a client regarding Levodaopa/Carbidopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. The nurse tells the client that which of the following is a side effect of the medication?
A) Difficulty performing a voluntary movement
B) Increased BP
C) Increased HR
D) Itchy Skin

Answer 22

A) Difficulty performing voluntary movement B/C dyskinesia is a side effect of Levodopa/Carbidopa

Question 23

Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient being started on Levodopa/Carbidopa for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease?
A) Take this medication on a full stomach
B) Change positions slowly
C) The drug may cause the urine to be very dilute
D) Carbidopa has many adverse effects

Answer 23

B) Change positions slowly

Question 24

Should Levodopa be administered with meals?

Answer 24

No because food will decrease the absorption rate. If the patient experiences nausea/vomiting with the medication they may take with food.

Question 25

What does Levodopa does to the urine?

Answer 25

It may cause it to change color such as red, brown, or black

Question 26

Which statement is correct about Alzheimer’s Disease & Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors?
A) There are four Acetyl. Inhibitors available to treat AD
B) Acetyl. Inhibitors are very effective in treating AD
C) Acetyl. Inhibitors do not cure AD or slow the progression of the disease
D) All Acetyl. Inhibitors cause reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase

Answer 26

C) Acetyl. Inhibitors do not cure AD or slow the progression of the disease

B/C they just help manage symptoms