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 C
Explanation
A. Alcohol tolerance: Alcohol tolerance refers to the decreased effect of alcohol with repeated use, not withdrawal symptoms.
B. Korsakoff's psychosis: Korsakoff's psychosis is a chronic condition related to thiamine deficiency and characterized by memory impairment and confabulation, not acute withdrawal symptoms.
C. Delirium tremens: Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can present with tremors, agitation, elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, and confusion. The client’s symptoms and recent history suggest DTs.
D. Wernicke's encephalopathy: Wernicke's encephalopathy typically presents with ataxia, confusion, and ophthalmoplegia rather than the acute withdrawal symptoms described.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Monro-Kellie hypothesis: The Monro-Kellie hypothesis explains the relationship between the volumes of brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium, but it is not a diagnostic tool for assessing LOC.
B. Glasgow Coma Scale: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a standardized tool used to assess a client's level of consciousness, particularly in cases of head injury. It evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
C. Cranial nerve function: Cranial nerve assessment is important in evaluating neurological function, but it is not a comprehensive tool for gauging LOC.
D. Mental status examination: A mental status examination assesses cognitive functions, but the Glasgow Coma Scale is more appropriate for evaluating LOC in the context of head trauma.
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