The Client with Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

A HCP has prescribed carbidopa-levodopa 4 times per day for a client with Parkinson’s disease. The client wants “to end it all now that the Parkinson’s disease has progressed.” What should the nurse do? SATA

1. Explain that the new prescription for carbidopa-levodopa will treat the depression
2. Encourage the client to discuss feelings as the carbidopa-levodopa is being administered
3. Contact the HCP before administering the carbidopa-levodopa
4. Determine if the client is on antidepressants or MAOI
5. Determine if the client is at risk for suicide.

Answer 1

3. Contact the HCP before administering the carbidopa-levodopa
4. Determine if the client is on antidepressants or MAOI
5. Determine if the client is at risk for suicide.

The nurse should contact HCP because this medication can cause further symptoms of depression.

Question 2

Which goal is collaboratively established by the client with Parkinson’s disease, the nurse, and the PT?

1. to maintain joint flexibility
2. to build muscle strength
3. to improve muscle endurance
4. to reduce ataxia

Answer 2

1. to maintain joint flexibility

Parkinson’s degenerates neurons, therefore it will be unrealistic to build or improve muscle.
Attempting to reduce ataxia with PT is not effective.

Question 3

A client is being switched from levodopa to carbidopa-levodopa. The nurse should monitor for which possible complication during medication changes and dosage adjustment?

1. euphoria
2. jaundice
3. vital sign fluctuation
4. signs & symptoms of diabetes

Answer 3

3. vital sign fluctuation

Question 4

Which is an expected outcome for a client with Parkinson’s disease who has had a pallidotomy?

1. improved functional ability
2. reduced emotional stress
3. increased alertness
4. better appetite

Answer 4

1. improved functional ability