A 70-year-old woman is being treated at home for Parkinson's disease (PD), a health problem that she was diagnosed with 18 months ago. The nurse who is participating in the woman's care should be aware that her initial symptoms most likely consisted of:
Increasing forgetfulness and confusion
Tremors and muscle rigidity
Visual disturbances and muscle weakness
Fatigue and respiratory difficulties
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increasing forgetfulness and confusion: These symptoms are more characteristic of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, not Parkinson's disease. While cognitive decline can occur in later stages of PD, it is not typically an initial symptom.
B. Tremors and muscle rigidity: Tremors (often starting in one hand) and muscle rigidity are hallmark initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These motor symptoms are among the most common early manifestations.
C. Visual disturbances and muscle weakness: Visual disturbances are not typically associated with early Parkinson's disease, and muscle weakness is not an initial symptom but could occur later due to rigidity and bradykinesia.
D. Fatigue and respiratory difficulties: While fatigue can occur, respiratory difficulties are not typically initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease and are more associated with later stages or other conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Maintaining accurate records of intake and output: While monitoring intake and output is important for assessing fluid balance and kidney function, it is not as immediate a concern as maintaining an airway in an unconscious client.
B. Maintaining a patent airway: This is the highest priority because an unconscious client is at high risk of airway obstruction due to the loss of protective reflexes. Ensuring that the airway remains open is critical to prevent respiratory distress or arrest.
C. Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube as prescribed: Inserting an NG tube might be necessary for feeding or draining gastric contents, but it is secondary to the more urgent need of ensuring a clear airway.
D. Providing appropriate pain control: Pain control is important but should be considered after addressing more immediate threats to the client's safety, such as maintaining a patent airway.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent and excessive worry, but it does not typically present with the specific symptoms of nightmares and flashbacks related to trauma.
B. Posttraumatic stress disorder: PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping, especially following exposure to traumatic events. This fits the soldier’s presentation.
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: OCD involves recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The symptoms described do not align with OCD but rather with trauma-related symptoms.
D. Social phobia: Social phobia involves intense fear of social situations, not the trauma-related symptoms described. It is less relevant to the soldier’s experience of nightmares and flashbacks.
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