A nurse is reviewing discharge medications with a client who has Parkinson's disease. The nurse should include teaching about the client's anticholinergic agent. Which of the following side effects should the nurse advise the client to report?
Drooling
Anhidrosis
Tremors
Rigidity
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Drooling is inappropriate. Drooling, also known as sialorrhea, is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease due to impaired swallowing and reduced control of the muscles involved in saliva production. Anticholinergic medications can exacerbate dry mouth, which may contribute to drooling. However, drooling is not typically a side effect that would be specifically associated with anticholinergic use.
Choice B Reason:
Anhidrosis is appropriate. Anhidrosis refers to the inability to sweat normally. Anticholinergic medications can inhibit sweating by blocking the action of acetylcholine on sweat glands, leading to decreased sweating and potentially causing hyperthermia. Anhidrosis is a potential side effect of anticholinergic agents and should be reported to the healthcare provider due to the risk of overheating.
Choice C Reason:
Tremors is inappropriate. Tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease and are typically not caused by anticholinergic medications. In fact, anticholinergic agents are often prescribed to help reduce tremors in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Tremors would not be considered an adverse effect that the client should report in the context of anticholinergic therapy.
Choice D Reason:
Rigidity is inappropriate. Rigidity, or stiffness of the muscles, is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. While anticholinergic medications can help alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson's disease, they are not typically associated with rigidity. Rigidity would not be considered an adverse effect that the client should report in the context of anticholinergic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flying itself is not typically considered a factor that worsens MS manifestations. However, factors related to flying, such as stress, fatigue, changes in routine, and potential exposure to infections, may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
Choice B Reason:
Sunbathing is appropriate. Exposure to excessive heat, such as sunbathing or prolonged exposure to hot weather, can lead to temporary worsening of MS symptoms, a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's phenomenon. Increased body temperature can temporarily impair nerve conduction in individuals with MS, resulting in exacerbation of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, sensory disturbances, and cognitive impairment.
Choice C Reason:
Working in an office is inappropriate. Working in an office environment is not inherently associated with exacerbation of MS manifestations. However, factors such as stress, fatigue, poor ergonomic conditions, and limited mobility during prolonged periods of sitting may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
Choice D Reason:
High altitude travel is inappropriate. High altitude travel can exacerbate MS symptoms due to the decreased oxygen levels and potential changes in barometric pressure at high altitudes. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) at high altitudes may exacerbate fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment in individuals with MS. Changes in barometric pressure can also trigger or worsen symptoms such as headaches, sensory disturbances, and balance problems in some individuals with MS.
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