Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Parkinson's disease?
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurologic disorder with no cure, characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, leading to degeneration of neurons in the extrapyramidal motor tract.
What are the most common signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
What are the most common signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a curable condition.
Parkinson's disease is a curable condition.
False
What type of drugs are used to treat Parkinson's disease?
What type of drugs are used to treat Parkinson's disease?
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What is the action of levodopa and carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
What is the action of levodopa and carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
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What are some potential side effects or adverse reactions associated with levodopa and carbidopa?
What are some potential side effects or adverse reactions associated with levodopa and carbidopa?
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Why is it important to avoid high-protein foods when taking levodopa and carbidopa?
Why is it important to avoid high-protein foods when taking levodopa and carbidopa?
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What nursing interventions are important when caring for a patient taking antiparkinson's medications like levodopa and carbidopa?
What nursing interventions are important when caring for a patient taking antiparkinson's medications like levodopa and carbidopa?
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Abruptly discontinuing levodopa and carbidopa can lead to a severe worsening of Parkinson's symptoms.
Abruptly discontinuing levodopa and carbidopa can lead to a severe worsening of Parkinson's symptoms.
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What is the primary goal of nursing care for patients taking antiparkinson's medications?
What is the primary goal of nursing care for patients taking antiparkinson's medications?
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Study Notes
Parkinson's Disease
- Chronic neurologic disorder, incurable
- Symptoms managed with medication
- Imbalance of dopamine (needed for movement control) – amount too low
- Imbalance of acetylcholine – amount too high
- Causes neuron degeneration in the extrapyramidal motor tract
- Symptoms worsen with disease progression
Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
- Pill rolling motion in hands
- Tremors in head and neck
- Rigidity
- Postural changes
- Shuffling gait
- Bradykinesia (slow movement)
- Lack of facial expression
- No cognitive changes
Parkinson's Disease Treatments
- Anticholinergic drugs: Block cholinergic receptors (See anticholinergic presentation)
- Dopaminergics: Convert to dopamine
- Dopamine agonists: Stimulate dopamine receptors
- MAO-B inhibitors: Inhibit MAO-B enzyme that interferes with dopamine
- COMT inhibitors: Inhibit COMT enzyme that inactivates dopamine
Antiparkinson's Drugs - Carbidopa and Levodopa
- Action: Levodopa goes to brain cells to convert to dopamine; Carbidopa blocks the conversion peripherally so levodopa can get to the brain
- Uses: Treat Parkinson's disease symptoms, not a cure
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Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:
- Gastrointestinal distress, dry mouth
- Fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, headache, blurred vision
- Dark urine
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Palpitations
- Hypotension
- Urinary retention
- Psychosis, severe depression
Contraindications
- Antipsychotics
Drug and Food Interactions
- Many interactions exist!
- High protein foods decrease absorption
Assessment
- Vital signs
- Signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Medical/medication history
Nursing Interventions
- Monitor vital signs for orthostatic hypotension
- Administer medication on an empty stomach (or with low protein foods if stomach upset occurs)
- High protein foods delay absorption
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease
- Monitor for suicidal ideation
Teach
- Take medication on an empty stomach
- Take medication at the same times each day
- Take medication with low protein foods if stomach upset occurs
- Do not abruptly discontinue medication
- Levodopa may cause harmless discoloration of urine and sweat to brown
Evaluation
- Improved symptom control
- Client and family understanding of the medications
- Side effects/Adverse reactions minimized
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Description
This quiz covers the essential aspects of Parkinson's Disease, including its symptoms, causes, and various treatments. Test your knowledge on the neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopamine imbalance and its management through medication. Understand the key signs and therapeutic approaches for dealing with this chronic condition.
