session 6: neurological system in aging

Question 1

Parkinson’s Disease
causes

Answer 1

Degenerative disease of the basal ganglia, leads to loss of dopamine.

Question 2

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Answer 2

Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet): gold standard.
Dopamine agonists: Pramipexole (Mirapex), Ropinirole (Requip).
Anticholinergics: Trihexyphenidyl (Artane), Benztropine (Cogentin).
Non-pharm: Physical therapy, gait retraining, massage, heat therapy.

Question 3

Parkinson’s Disease Nursing Care

Answer 3

-Assess for dysphagia, fall risk, constipation, urinary issues.
-Encourage small, frequent meals; monitor nutrition.
-Promote safety, independence, and medication adherence

Question 4

Parkinson’s Disease Classic Triad

Answer 4

Tremor (resting)
Rigidity
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Question 5

Parkinson’s Disease Other Symptoms

Answer 5

Drooling, mask-like face, slurred monotone speech, muscle stiffness.
Handwriting changes, shuffling gait, reduced blinking, postural instability.
Depression and dementia are common as disease progresses.

Question 6

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Cause

Answer 6

Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease; demyelination of CNS neurons

Question 7

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Types

Answer 7

Chronic progressive
Relapsing-remitting
Relapsing-progressive
Stable MS

Question 8

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms

Answer 8

Fatigue, tingling, weakness, blurry vision, ataxia.
Bladder/bowel dysfunction, depression, cognitive changes

Question 9

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Diagnosis

Answer 9

MRI reveals plaques, Clinical history of remissions and exacerbations

Question 10

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment

Answer 10

Corticosteroids: prednisone, methylprednisolone.
Immunomodulators: interferon beta-1a (Avonex), beta-1b (Betaseron).
Copaxone, Amantadine, Immunosuppressants (Novantrone).
Urinary issues: Bethanechol, Neostigmine.

Question 11

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Nursing Care

Answer 11

Monitor gait, strength, visual changes, elimination.
Educate about disease course and symptom management.
Promote independence and coping

Question 12

Huntington’s Disease Cause

Answer 12

Inherited, progressive neurologic disorder

Question 13

Huntington’s Disease Onset

Answer 13

Mid-adulthood

Question 14

Huntington’s Disease Symptoms

Answer 14

Involuntary movements (chorea), emotional disturbances.
Progressive cognitive decline, behavioral changes

Question 15

Huntington’s Disease Prognosis

Answer 15

Worsens over 15–20 years, fatal

Question 16

Huntington’s Disease Care

Answer 16

Supportive; no cure

Question 17

Stroke (CVA) Definition:

Answer 17

Sudden loss of brain function from disrupted blood flow >24 hrs

Question 18

Stroke (CVA)Types

Answer 18

Ischemic, Hemorrhagic

Question 19

Stroke (CVA) Ischemic

Answer 19

clot blocks blood vessel (most common)

Question 20

Stroke (CVA) Hemorrhagic

Answer 20

vessel rupture → bleeding into brain

Question 21

FAST Warning Signs

Answer 21

Face droop
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911

Question 22

Stroke (CVA) Symptoms

Answer 22

Weakness/numbness (usually one side), confusion, dysphagia, dysarthria, aphasia, visual changes.
Hemiplegia, unilateral neglect, homonymous hemianopsia

Question 23

Stroke (CVA) Complications

Answer 23

Aspiration, UTIs, pneumonia, pressure ulcers, depression, contractures

Question 24

Stroke (CVA)Nursing Care

Answer 24

-Early detection, risk factor reduction (smoking, obesity, inactivity).
-Support rehab: PT, OT, swallowing therapy
-Monitor for cognitive and sensory deficits

Question 25

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eyes)

Answer 25

↓ tear production → scratchy, burning eyes. Common post-menopause. Tx: artificial tears

Question 26

Glaucoma

Answer 26

↑ Intraocular pressure damages optic nerve. Types: Open-angle (most common) Low-tension Angle-closure (sudden) Gradual peripheral vision loss. Tx: eye drops, surgery

Question 27

Cataracts

Answer 27

Clouding of the lens from protein breakdown (lipofuscin). Risk: age, UV exposure, genetics. S/S: blurry vision, halos, poor night vision. Tx: surgical removal and lens replacement

Question 28

Macular Degeneration

Answer 28

Deterioration of the central retina (macula). S/S: central vision loss, need for bright light, blurry spot in middle vision. Risk: age, smoking, obesity, genetics. No cure—manage with low vision aids

Question 29

Diabetic Retinopathy

Answer 29

Retinal microvascular damage from chronic hyperglycemia. S/S: vision loss, macular edema, retinal hemorrhage. Tx: control diabetes, laser surgery

Question 30

Tinnitus

Answer 30

Perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, humming) with no source. Causes: loud noise, earwax, infections, TMJ, meds (especially aspirin), head trauma. May indicate hearing loss or other conditions

Question 31

Hearing Loss

Answer 31

Affects communication, safety, social interaction, and independence. Use hearing aids, communicate clearly, reduce background noise.

Question 32

Types of pain

Answer 32

Acute Pain, Persistent (Chronic) Pain

Question 33

Acute Pain

Answer 33

Sudden, short-term (e.g., postop).

Question 34

Persistent (Chronic) Pain:

Answer 34

Ongoing; common in arthritis, neuropathy

Question 35

Pain Assessment

Answer 35

Self-report (gold standard). Use scales: numeric, visual, behavioral tools. Cognitively impaired: monitor non-verbal cues (grimacing, agitation)

Question 36

Pain Management types

Answer 36

Non-Pharmacological, Pharmacological

Question 37

Non-Pharmacological pain managment

Answer 37

Massage, TENS, relaxation, meditation, distraction, imagery

Question 38

Pharmacological pain managment

Answer 38

Non-narcotics: Tylenol, NSAIDs for mild/moderate pain. Opioids: Morphine, hydromorphone for severe pain.

Question 39

Non-narcotics

Answer 39

Tylenol, NSAIDs for mild/moderate pain

Question 40

Opioids

Answer 40

Morphine, hydromorphone for severe pain

Question 41

Nursing Role in pain managment

Answer 41

Reassess frequently. Evaluate impact on sleep, mood, ADLs. Collaborate with interprofessional team

Question 42

1. What neurotransmitter is deficient in Parkinson’s Disease? a) Acetylcholine b) Dopamine c) Serotonin d) Norepinephrine

Answer 42

b) Dopamine

Question 43

2. Name the three hallmark motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. → Short Answer:

Answer 43

Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia

Question 44

3. What is the primary treatment used to control Parkinson’s symptoms? a) Prednisone b) Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet) c) Interferon beta d) Trihexyphenidyl

Answer 44

b) Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet)

Question 45

4. What type of condition is Multiple Sclerosis? a) Metabolic disorder b) Autoimmune demyelinating disease c) Infectious disease d) Hormonal imbalance

Answer 45

b) Autoimmune demyelinating disease

Question 46

5. Name one common bladder or bowel symptom of MS. → Short Answer:

Answer 46

Examples: urinary retention, urgency, incontinence, constipation

Question 47

7. What does “FAST” stand for in stroke recognition? → Short Answer:

Answer 47

F – Face drooping, A – Arm weakness, S – Speech difficulty, T – Time to call 911

Question 48

8. Which type of stroke results from bleeding into the brain? a) Embolic b) Ischemic c) Hemorrhagic d) Thrombotic

Answer 48

c) Hemorrhagic

Question 49

9. Which age-related eye disorder affects central vision and leaves only peripheral vision? a) Cataracts b) Glaucoma c) Macular Degeneration d) Diabetic Retinopathy

Answer 49

c) Macular Degeneration

Question 50

10. What is the leading cause of gradual peripheral vision loss in older adults? → Short Answer:

Answer 50

Glaucoma

Question 51

11. What are the early signs of macular degeneration? → Short Answer:

Answer 51

Blurred central vision, difficulty reading/driving, dim colors, increased need for light

Question 52

12. Cataracts are caused by damage to what part of the eye? a) Retina b) Lens c) Cornea d) Iris

Answer 52

b) Lens

Question 53

13. Which eye condition results from high blood sugar damaging small vessels? a) Glaucoma b) Cataracts c) Diabetic Retinopathy d) Macular Degeneration

Answer 53

c) Diabetic Retinopathy

Question 54

14. What is tinnitus? → Short Answer:

Answer 54

The perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, etc.) in the absence of an external stimulus

Question 55

15. Name two possible causes of tinnitus. → Short Answer:

Answer 55

Examples: loud noise, earwax buildup, TMJ disorder, aspirin, aging, head trauma

Question 56

16. What is the gold standard for assessing pain? a) Pain scale b) Facial expression c) Family report d) Patient self-report

Answer 56

d) Patient self-report

Question 57

17. Give two non-pharmacological pain relief strategies. → Short Answer:

Answer 57

Examples: massage, TENS, distraction, relaxation, guided imagery, meditation

Question 58

18. What type of pain is ongoing and not time-limited? a) Acute b) Persistent c) Phantom d) Referred

Answer 58

b) Persistent

Question 59

19. What should nurses assess when evaluating pain relief effectiveness? → Short Answer:

Answer 59

Changes in pain level, sleep, mood, ADLs, behavior, physical signs (grimacing, restlessness)

Question 60

20. Why is it important to assess pain carefully in patients with cognitive impairment? → Short Answer:

Answer 60

20. They may be unable to verbally express pain; non-verbal cues and behavioral changes must be observed