A nurse is reviewing discharge medications with a patient who has Parkinson’s disease. The nurse should include teaching about the patient’s anticholinergic agent.
Which of the following side effects should the nurse advise the patient to report?
Anhidrosis
Tremors
Drooling
Rigidity
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Anhidrosis, or the inability to sweat normally, is a potential side effect of anticholinergic agents. These medications block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates sweat glands among other functions. If a patient taking an anticholinergic agent for Parkinson’s disease experiences anhidrosis, they should report it to their healthcare provider as it can lead to overheating and heat stroke.
Choice B rationale
Tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and anticholinergic medications are often used to help control them. Therefore, while tremors should be monitored, they are not typically a side effect that needs to be reported unless they worsen or become unmanageable.
Choice C rationale
Drooling can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, but it is not typically a side effect of anticholinergic medications. In fact, these medications can sometimes cause dry mouth.
Choice D rationale
Rigidity, like tremors, is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Anticholinergic medications can help manage rigidity, so it is not typically a side effect that needs to be reported unless it worsens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Swelling of the optic nerve, also known as papilledema, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, it is not a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice B rationale
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness and neurological functioning. A decreasing GCS score indicates a worsening neurological condition, which could be due to increasing ICP12. Therefore, a decreasing GCS score is a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 108/76 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not directly indicate a worsening neurological condition. However, drastic changes in blood pressure could potentially indicate a problem.
Choice D rationale
Changes in pupil size and shape can be a sign of increased ICP, but these changes are not specific to a worsening neurological condition. They could be due to various factors, including medication effects or damage to the cranial nerves.
Choice E rationale
A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal range for adults. Changes in respiratory patterns could potentially indicate a worsening neurological condition, but a rate of 12/min does not directly indicate this.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reducing the temperature in the room is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. While it’s important to maintain a comfortable environment for the patient, there’s no evidence to suggest that room temperature has a direct impact on the progression or treatment of brain herniation.
Choice B rationale
Hyperventilating the patient is a possible treatment for brain herniation. Hyperventilation causes vasoconstriction, which can decrease cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure, potentially relieving the pressure caused by the herniation.
Choice C rationale
Lowering blood pressure is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. While maintaining a stable blood pressure is important in all patients, aggressively lowering blood pressure could potentially decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing sedation is not typically a treatment for brain herniation. In fact, sedatives might be used to reduce metabolic demands and control agitation in a patient with brain herniation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.