Exam 1 Flashcards
Parkinson’s disease is a
chronic, terminal/fatal disease
Dopamine levels are __________ and acetylcholine levels are __________ in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
low; high
Acetylcholine levels are normal, but in relation to dopamine levels they are considered high.
What is the cause of Parkinson’s disease?
The cause is unknown. There could be a genetic or environmental factor.
What are secondary causes of Parkinson’s disease?
Antipsychotic drugs, tumor, or trauma (pseudo Parkinson sx)
Antipsychotic drugs drop dopamine levels; taking pts off meds will stop sx
Parkinson’s disease affects motor, cognitive, and ADL function.
True or false?
True
Parkinson’s disease are at an increased risk for falls and injury?
True or false?
True
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
-mask-like, blank expression
-pill rolling tremors (occurs most often at rest)
-loss of normal arm swing while walking
-shuffling, propulsive gait
-muscle rigidity (increased resistance to passive movement)
-cog wheel, jerky slow movement
-bradykinesia
-drooling
Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease
Onset between 40-70yo, male, possible predisposition, exposure to toxins/antipsychotic meds
Brain autopsy of patient with Parkinson’s disease reveals
lewy bodies and neuronal loss in the substania nigra
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Providers diagnose by ruling out other diseases
Stages of Parkinson’s disease
Stage 1 through 5
Stage 1 is mild
Stage 5 is completely dependent
Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease increase dopamine and decrease acetylcholine.
True or false
True
Dopaminergics
Trigger dopamine receptors to function
Ex: Levodopa-carbidopa
What does Levodopa do? What does Carbidopa do?
Levodopa is converted into dopamine. Carbidopa is used to decrease breakdown and help levodopa cross blood brain barrier.
How long do dopaminergics work? What is the next step?
Dopaminergics stop working after 5 years of use. Start addressing acetylcholine levels.
What medication is used to treat tremors in pts with Parkinson’s diease?
Triexphenidyl/Benztropine
What side effects should you look out for with Triexphenidyl/Benxtropine?
Monitor for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and possible confusion.
Triexphenidyl/Benztropine has DRYING effects.
What Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors is taken with Levodopa and why?
Entacapone
Only taken w/ Levodopa to decrease the breakdown of Levodopa.
MAO-B inhibitors are last resort because they interact w/everything. Increases dopamine. What foods should the patient avoid?
Foods with tyramine
Pts with Parkinson’s disease take antivirals to stimulate the release of dopamine and prevent its reuptake. What is a common antiviral taken by these pts?
Amantadine
What procedures are completed when PD pts do not respond to meds?
Ablative procedures (thalamotomy, pallidotomy), deep brain stimulation, and cell transplantation
Possible complications for PD pts & nursing care
Aspiration pneumonia
-Swallowing precautions, diet per speech therapy, maintain weight, high protein supplements
Altered cognition/mobility
-Provide safe environment
-PD pts require more time to complete tasks (walking, answering questions)
Huntington’s disease is a
Chronic, terminal/fatal disease
Is there a cure for Huntington’s disease?
no