PD + MG + Alz Flashcards
What is Parkinson’s disease?
A neurodegenerative disorder causing slowed movement, muscle rigidity, tremors, and gait changes.
What are the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
“Pill rolling” tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowed movement), postural instability, Parkinsonian shuffle, speech problems, dysphagia, orthostatic hypotension, neuropsychiatric issues (depression, hallucinations).
What nursing interventions are important for Parkinson’s disease?
Educate on strict medication adherence, ensure a safe environment to prevent falls, promote independence in ADLs (PT/OT/SLP), recommend soft/pureed diet for dysphagia, provide modified utensils, encourage mild exercise, manage protein intake, and educate caregivers.
What surgical treatments are available for Parkinson’s disease?
Deep brain stimulation (electrode delivers targeted current), Ablation surgery(destroying affected brain tissue), Gamma knife surgery (targeted radiation to destroy affected tissue).
What diagnostic tests confirm Parkinson’s disease?
Lewy bodies in the brain, positive response to medications, and meeting diagnostic criteria.
What are the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease?
1) Two out of four key symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability). 2) Asymmetric onset of symptoms.
What medication is commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s disease?
Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa)—dopamine precursors that help manage motor symptoms.
What is myasthenia gravis (MG)?
An autoimmune disease where antibodies attack acetylcholine (Ach) receptors, leading to muscle weakness.
What are the early symptoms of MG?
Weakness in facial muscles (eyes, eyelids, mouth, esophagus), ptosis (drooping eyelid), impaired chewing, swallowing, and speaking.
How does muscle weakness progress in MG?
Weakness worsens as the day progresses and spreads down the body.
What is the “peek sign” in MG?
Patients cannot keep their eyelids closed; after forced closure, they start to open involuntarily.
Who is most commonly affected by MG?
Women (ages 20-30) and men (age 50+).
What is a myasthenic crisis?
Extreme muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, and diaphoresis, leading to respiratory failure risk.
What nursing interventions are important for MG?
Maintain adequate ventilation, provide a soft/pureed diet, schedule meds at peak during meals, teach low-effort activities, educate on medication adherence, plan ADLs early to avoid fatigue, provide support group information, and prevent infections.
What special eye care is needed for MG patients?
Tape eyes shut during sleep and use eye drops to prevent dryness.
What surgical treatment is available for MG?
Thymectomy (removal of thymus to stop antibody production).
What treatments help in a myasthenic crisis?
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to block antibody destruction of Ach and plasmapheresis to remove antibodies.
What diagnostic tests confirm MG?
EMG showing decreased response to hand muscle stimulation and Edrophonium test(temporary improvement of muscle strength).
What medications are used for MG?
Corticosteroids (immune suppression), immunosuppressants, and Pyridostigmine (anticholinesterase) to improve neuromuscular transmission.
Why must Pyridostigmine dosing be carefully monitored?
Too low a dose can cause a myasthenic crisis, while too high a dose can cause a cholinergic crisis.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
A chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder.
What are the major risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?
Age >65, family history, and vascular diseases (HTN, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, etc.).
What are the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory loss affecting job skills, difficulty with abstract thinking, trouble performing familiar tasks, poor judgment, language problems, misplacing items, mood/personality changes, and loss of initiative.
How does Alzheimer’s affect language?
Patients struggle to find the right words when speaking.
What behavioral changes occur in Alzheimer’s patients?
Mood swings, depression, personality changes, and agitation.
What are key nursing interventions for Alzheimer’s disease?
Prevent falls with noninvasive measures, provide consistent monitoring, reorient the patient, supervise meals and fluid intake, assist with ADLs, and rotate the patientregularly.
How can nurses manage agitation in Alzheimer’s patients?
Use reminiscence therapy (redirecting), distraction techniques, and reassure their role in the healthcare setting.
What environmental modifications can help Alzheimer’s patients?
Keep the environment well-lit, promote structured routines, and label hot/cold faucets for safety.
What should families be educated on?
Appliance safety, driving risks, stair usage, importance of visitation, and when to consider long-term care placement.
What diagnostic tests confirm Alzheimer’s disease?
Neuropsychological testing (Mini-Cog, MMSE), clock drawing test, and CT/MRI to rule out other diseases.
What medications are used for Alzheimer’s disease?
Drugs that slow cognitive decline (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors like Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine).
