The nurse assists a client with Parkinson's disease (PD) to ambulate in the hallway. The client appears to "freeze" and then carefully lifts one leg and steps forward. The client tells the nurse of pretending to step over a crack on the floor. How should the nurse respond?
Plan to assess the client's cognition after returning to his room.
Confirm that this is an effective technique to help with ambulation.
Reorient the client to his present location and circumstances.
Assist the client to a carpeted area where he can walk more easily.
The Correct Answer is B
A.    While assessing cognition is important for understanding the client’s overall functioning, the immediate issue of "freezing" during ambulation is more related to motor symptoms rather than cognitive impairment. "Freezing" in Parkinson's disease is a common motor symptom where the client feels as if their feet are glued to the floor.
B.    The technique of pretending to step over an imaginary object (like a crack) is known to be a helpful strategy for managing "freezing" in Parkinson's disease. This technique provides a cognitive cue that can help the client initiate movement and overcome the freezing episodes. Confirming that this is an effective technique acknowledges the client's strategy and supports their efforts to improve mobility.
 
C.    Reorienting the client to their location and circumstances can be helpful in situations where confusion or disorientation is an issue. However, in the case of "freezing" during ambulation, this response does not directly address the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The problem here is more about movement initiation rather than orientation.
D.    Moving to a carpeted area might help with traction and reduce the risk of slipping, but it does not directly address the issue of "freezing" episodes. The freezing phenomenon in Parkinson's disease is related to motor control rather than the type of flooring. While providing a safer walking environment is beneficial, it doesn’t target the underlying motor symptoms as directly as addressing the client’s technique.
 
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While this information might be helpful for general medication management, it is not directly related to the client's risk for osteoporosis.
B. The amount of calcium in the multivitamin is the most crucial follow-up information. For an older adult at risk for osteoporosis, ensuring adequate calcium intake is essential for bone health. Confirming the amount of calcium in the multivitamin helps ensure that the client is receiving enough of this critical nutrient to support bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
C. This information is not relevant to the client's bone health or risk for osteoporosis.
D. While this information can influence the absorption of certain nutrients, it is not specifically related to calcium absorption or osteoporosis prevention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The absence of hair growth on the lower legs is a potential sign of peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. Assessing the skin for other signs of neuropathy, such as dryness, cracking, or calluses, would provide further evidence to support this diagnosis.
B. While this might indicate neuropathy, it's not as direct a correlation as the skin appearance.
C. Assessing pulses helps to evaluate peripheral circulation, but it doesn't directly address the issue of hair loss, which is more related to nerve damage.
D. Ecchymosis can indicate a bleeding disorder or trauma, not necessarily neuropathy.
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