A nurse is caring for a client with Parkinson's disease who recently had deep brain stimulation. Which outcome indicates the treatment is effective?
The patient's tremors and rigidity have decreased
The patient has increased blood pressure and heart rate
The patient reports improved sleep and appetite
The patient experiences improved speech clarity
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets specific brain areas, most commonly the subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus, to modulate abnormal neuronal activity. The primary goal of DBS in Parkinson’s disease is to reduce motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia when medications are insufficient or cause significant side effects. A noticeable reduction in these symptoms indicates effective treatment.
B. DBS primarily affects motor pathways, not autonomic regulation. While transient cardiovascular changes may occur during surgery, persistent hypertension or tachycardia is not a desired outcome and may indicate complications rather than therapeutic benefit.
C. Although improved comfort and activity may indirectly enhance sleep or appetite, these are secondary outcomes. DBS is not designed to treat non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances or appetite changes, so improvement in these areas does not confirm the primary efficacy of the therapy.
D. Speech issues in Parkinson’s disease, such as hypophonia or monotone speech, are less reliably improved by DBS. In some cases, DBS may even worsen speech due to stimulation parameters or target selection. Therefore, improved speech clarity is not a definitive indicator of treatment effectiveness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia) and frequent nighttime awakenings (sleep-maintenance insomnia) are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Sleep disturbances may result from dopaminergic dysfunction, nocturia, restless legs, pain, or medication side effects, and can significantly affect quality of life, cognition, and daytime functioning. Assessing and addressing sleep hygiene, medication timing, and environmental factors is essential for managing this symptom.
B. Anxiety may coexist with sleep disturbances but is not the primary cause of difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings in this scenario. Anxiety typically presents as excessive worry, restlessness, or tension, rather than isolated nocturnal sleep disruption.
C. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a related non-motor symptom, often secondary to poor nighttime sleep or as a side effect of dopaminergic medications. However, the client’s current complaint focuses on nocturnal insomnia, not daytime somnolence.
D. Hallucinations, such as visual or auditory perceptions without external stimuli, are non-motor symptoms of PD, often associated with advanced disease or medication side effects. They do not explain difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This is correct understanding. Glyburide, a sulfonylurea, can interact with alcohol to cause severe hypoglycemia or a disulfiram-like reaction. Complete avoidance of alcohol is recommended, so this statement shows proper comprehension.
B. Alcohol can enhance the hypoglycemic effects of glyburide, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. The client recognizing this risk demonstrates understanding of medication-alcohol interactions.
C. Alcohol can potentiate the blood-glucose-lowering effects of glyburide by inhibiting gluconeogenesis, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This statement shows the client understands the potential danger.
D. Even small amounts of alcohol can precipitate hypoglycemia in clients taking glyburide, particularly if alcohol is consumed without food. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the risks, so the nurse should provide further teaching to emphasize complete avoidance of alcohol while on sulfonylureas.
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