Parkinson's Disease Overview Unit 5.1

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • Severe pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities.
  • Sudden episodes of confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.
  • Muscle weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and difficulty with fine motor skills.
  • Pill rolling motion in hands, tremors of the head and neck, rigidity, postural changes, shuffling walk, bradykinesia, lack of facial expression, and no changes in cognitive level. (correct)

Parkinson's disease is a curable condition.

False (B)

What type of drugs are used to treat Parkinson's disease?

<p>Anticholinergics, Dopaminergics, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of levodopa and carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?

<p>Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to improve motor function. Carbidopa prevents Levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, making treatment more effective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential side effects or adverse reactions associated with levodopa and carbidopa?

<p>GI distress, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, dark urine, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, hypotension, urinary retention, psychosis, and severe depression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid high-protein foods when taking levodopa and carbidopa?

<p>High protein foods can decrease the absorption of levodopa. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What nursing interventions are important when caring for a patient taking antiparkinson's medications like levodopa and carbidopa?

<p>Monitor vital signs for orthostatic hypotension, administer the medication on an empty stomach or with low-protein food if stomach upset occurs, monitor for signs and symptoms of Parkinson's, and monitor for suicidal ideation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Abruptly discontinuing levodopa and carbidopa can lead to a severe worsening of Parkinson's symptoms.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of nursing care for patients taking antiparkinson's medications?

<p>To help patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and promote adherence to medication therapy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Parkinson's Disease

A chronic, incurable neurologic disorder characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine, leading to movement problems.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter crucial for controlling movement.

Parkinson's Signs/Symptoms

Include tremors (e.g., pill rolling), rigidity, postural changes, shuffling walk, slow movement (bradykinesia), and lack of facial expression.

Anticholinergic Drugs

Medications that block cholinergic receptors, used to treat Parkinson's, typically alongside other drugs, due to excess acetylcholine.

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Dopaminergics

Drugs that increase dopamine levels or stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain to treat Parkinson's.

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Levodopa

A drug converted to dopamine in the brain, used to treat Parkinson’s, often combined with Carbidopa to increase its effectiveness and limit side effects.

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Carbidopa

A drug that prevents levodopa breakdown in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.

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Side Effects (Levodopa/Carbidopa)

Potentially include GI distress, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, dark urine, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, hypotension, urinary retention, psychosis, and depression.

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Drug Interactions (Parkinson's)

Many drug and food interactions, high-protein foods reducing levodopa absorption is a significant one.

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Nursing Care Plan (Parkinson's)

Involves monitoring vital signs, administering medication, assessing Parkinson's symptoms, and teaching patient about the medications and side effects.

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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
  • 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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Related Documents

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease - Nursing Care Plan PDF

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