A patient who has Parkinson disease is being treated with the anticholinergic medication benztropine (Cogentin). The nurse will tell the patient that this drug will have which effect?
Reducing some of the tremors
Improving mental function
Helping the patient to walk faster
Minimizing symptoms of bradykinesia
The Correct Answer is A
A) Reducing some of the tremors: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic medication commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to help manage symptoms. It works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, which can help to restore the balance between acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. This helps reduce symptoms like tremors and rigidity, which are common in Parkinson’s disease. Although it may not completely eliminate these symptoms, it can significantly reduce tremors, making this the most accurate effect of the drug.
B) Improving mental function: Benztropine is not intended to improve mental function. In fact, anticholinergic medications like benztropine can sometimes cause cognitive side effects, including memory problems or confusion, particularly in older patients. While the drug is effective in reducing motor symptoms, it is not used to enhance cognitive abilities in Parkinson’s disease.
C) Helping the patient to walk faster: Benztropine does not directly improve gait speed or help a patient walk faster. The drug primarily targets motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity rather than improving bradykinesia (slowness of movement), which is often the cause of walking difficulty in Parkinson’s patients. Medications such as levodopa or dopamine agonists are typically used to address issues related to bradykinesia and movement speed.
D) Minimizing symptoms of bradykinesia: While benztropine can help manage tremors and rigidity, it is not particularly effective for bradykinesia, which is the hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Bradykinesia is best addressed with dopaminergic medications like levodopa or dopamine agonists. Therefore, benztropine would not be the first choice for minimizing bradykinesia symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Decreased sweating, decreased BP, and increased heart rate: This combination does not reflect a typical stress response. In stressful or threatening situations, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased sweating, elevated blood pressure, and other physiological changes, rather than a decrease in blood pressure.
B) Increased sweating, decreased respiratory rate, and increased BP: In a stressful situation, sweating would indeed increase due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. However, the respiratory rate would typically increase, not decrease, as the body prepares for the "fight or flight" response. Increased blood pressure is expected, but decreased respiratory rate does not align with this response.
C) Pupil constriction, increased respiratory rate, and decreased heart rate: Pupil constriction is not characteristic of the "fight or flight" response; instead, pupil dilation occurs as part of the body's preparation to react to a threat. Increased respiratory rate and heart rate are typically seen during stress, but decreased heart rate would not be expected in such a situation.
D) Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and pupil dilation: This is the correct response. When faced with a threatening situation, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the "fight or flight" response. This includes increased blood pressure and heart rate to prepare the body for action, as well as pupil dilation (mydriasis) to enhance vision and perception of the environment. These changes help the body respond quickly to a perceived danger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Risk for dehydration related to diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common issue directly associated with Parkinson’s disease or its typical treatments, such as dopaminergic medications. While some medications or conditions can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, dehydration due to diarrhea is not a primary concern in Parkinson’s disease.
B) Diarrhea related to dopaminergic effects:
Dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa, may cause gastrointestinal side effects, but diarrhea is not a primary or common side effect. Typically, dopaminergic effects can lead to constipation, not diarrhea.
C) Risk for injury related to CVS effects and incidence of orthostatic hypotension:
Parkinson's disease can cause autonomic dysfunction, which often leads to orthostatic hypotension increasing the risk of falls and injury. This is a valid and appropriate nursing diagnosis because patients with Parkinson’s disease often experience balance issues and dizziness due to this condition, making them more vulnerable to falls and injury.
D) Constipation related to dopaminergic effects:
While constipation is a common side effect of dopaminergic medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, the more appropriate diagnosis for a patient who has Parkinson’s disease would be one that addresses the immediate risks or complications related to mobility or autonomic dysfunction.
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