Nokea
Which of the following information about a patient who is being treated with carbidopa/levodopa for Parkinson's disease is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?
- A. Shuffling gait
- B. Tremor at rest
- C. Cogwheel rigidity of limbs
- D. Uncontrolled head movement
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dyskinesia is an adverse effect of the carbidopa/levodopa, indicating a need for a change in medication or decrease in dose. The other findings are typical with Parkinson's disease.
You may also like to solve these questions
A female patient who has multiple sclerosis (MS) asks the nurse about risks associated with pregnancy. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?
- A. MS symptoms may be worse after the pregnancy.
- B. Women with MS frequently have premature labour.
- C. Symptoms of MS are likely to become worse during pregnancy.
- D. MS is associated with a slightly increased risk for congenital defects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the postpartum period, women with MS are at greater risk for exacerbation of symptoms. There is no increased risk for congenital defects in infants born of mothers with MS. Symptoms of MS may improve during pregnancy. Onset of labour is not affected by MS.
A patient tells the nurse about using acetaminophen several times every day for recurrent bilateral headaches. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Discuss the need to stop taking the acetaminophen.
- B. Suggest the use of biofeedback for headache control.
- C. Teach the patient about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- D. Describe the use of botulism toxin (BOTOX) for headaches.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The headache description suggests that the patient is experiencing medication overuse headache. The initial action will be withdrawal of the medication. The other actions may be needed if headaches persist.
The nurse is caring for a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is to begin treatment with glatiramer acetate. Which of the following information should the nurse include in patient teaching?
- A. Recommendation to drink at least 3-4 L of water daily
- B. Need to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery
- C. How to draw up and administer injections of the medication
- D. Use of contraceptive methods other than oral contraceptives
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Copaxone is administered by self-injection. Oral contraceptives are an appropriate choice for birth control. There is no need to avoid driving or drink large fluid volumes when taking glatiramer.
A patient with Parkinson's disease has a nursing diagnosis of impaired physical mobility related to bradykinesia. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Instruct the patient in activities that can be done while lying or sitting.
- B. Suggest that the patient rock from side to side to initiate leg movement.
- C. Have the patient take small steps in a straight line directly in front of the feet.
- D. Teach the patient to keep the feet in contact with the floor and slide them forward.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rocking the body from side to side stimulates balance and improves mobility. The patient will be encouraged to continue exercising because this will maintain functional abilities. Maintaining a wide base of support will help with balance. The patient should lift the feet and avoid a shuffling gait.
A patient was noted to have a generalized seizure reports afterward that the seizure was preceded by numbness and tingling of the arm. What type of seizure would this be classified as?
- A. Atonic
- B. Partial
- C. Absence
- D. Myoclonic
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial symptoms of a partial seizure involve clinical manifestations that are localized to a particular part of the body or brain. Symptoms of an absence seizure are staring and a brief loss of consciousness. In an atonic seizure, the patient loses muscle tone and (typically) falls to the ground. Myoclonic seizures are characterized by a sudden jerk of the body or extremities.