A patient with Parkinson's disease asks the nurse why anticholinergics are used in the treatment. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
"These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine
"These drugs help you urinate."
"These drugs will decrease your eye pressure."
"These drugs will assist in lowering your heart rate."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine":
This response is accurate. Anticholinergic medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in various functions in the body, including muscle control. In Parkinson's disease, there is an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, anticholinergic drugs help rebalance neurotransmitter activity and alleviate some of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
B. "These drugs help you urinate":
This statement is not directly related to the use of anticholinergic medications in Parkinson's disease. While some anticholinergic drugs can indeed relax the smooth muscle of the bladder and improve urinary symptoms, this is not the primary indication for their use in Parkinson's disease.
C. "These drugs will decrease your eye pressure":
While anticholinergic medications can be used to dilate the pupils and decrease intraocular pressure, this is not typically the reason for their use in Parkinson's disease. While some anticholinergic medications may have ocular effects, they are primarily used to address motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.
D. "These drugs will assist in lowering your heart rate":
While some anticholinergic medications may have effects on heart rate by blocking parasympathetic nervous system activity, this is not the primary indication for their use in Parkinson's disease. The focus of anticholinergic therapy in Parkinson's disease is primarily on addressing motor symptoms rather than cardiovascular effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to perform controlled coughing and deep breathing.
This intervention is not appropriate for a client with increased intracranial pressure. Controlled coughing and deep breathing can increase intrathoracic pressure, which can in turn increase intracranial pressure. Therefore, this intervention should be avoided in clients with increased ICP.
B. Provide a brightly lit environment.
This intervention is not appropriate for a client with increased intracranial pressure. Bright lights can stimulate the reticular activating system and increase arousal, potentially exacerbating cerebral metabolic demand and intracranial pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a calm, quiet environment with subdued lighting for clients with increased ICP.
C. Elevate the head of the bed 30°.
This intervention is correct. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees promotes venous drainage from the head and reduces intracranial pressure. It helps prevent venous congestion in the brain and improves cerebral perfusion. This position is commonly used in clients with increased intracranial pressure to optimize cerebral blood flow.
D. Encourage a minimum intake of 2,000 mL/day of clear fluids.
This intervention is not appropriate for a client with increased intracranial pressure. While maintaining hydration is important for overall health, excessive fluid intake can increase intracranial pressure by increasing cerebral blood volume and cerebrospinal fluid production. Therefore, fluid intake should be carefully monitored and adjusted based on the client's condition and fluid balance.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Muscle tremors:
Muscle tremors, particularly resting tremors, are a hallmark feature of Parkinson's disease. These tremors typically occur in the hands, fingers, arms, legs, jaw, or head and may worsen with stress or inactivity.
B. Slow body movement (bradykinesia):
Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is another key symptom of Parkinson's disease. Patients may have difficulty initiating movement, experience a decrease in spontaneous movement (hypokinesia), and demonstrate reduced range of motion.
C. Rigidity:
Rigidity, or stiffness of the muscles, is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. It often affects the limbs and trunk and can contribute to difficulty with movement and posture.
D. Pill rolling:
Pill rolling refers to a specific type of tremor characterized by rhythmic, rolling movements of the thumb and fingers, resembling the action of rolling a pill between the fingers and thumb. This tremor is commonly seen in Parkinson's disease.
E. Lack of facial expression:
Parkinson's disease can lead to a reduced range of facial expressions, also known as hypomimia or "masked facies." Patients may have a fixed, expressionless facial appearance and reduced blinking.
F. Drooling:
Drooling, or excessive salivation, can occur in Parkinson's disease due to impaired swallowing function (dysphagia) and reduced control over oral and facial muscles.
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