The nurse is providing care for a geriatric patient with loss of hearing acuity over the past several years. Which statement by the nurse is most accurate?

A. Parkinson's disease is not generally considered to be caused by an autoimmune reaction or a recent infection. Autoimmune reactions leading to neurodegeneration are more commonly associated with other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, not Parkinson's disease.
B. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is indeed unknown, but research suggests that it results from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Genetic mutations may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in some individuals, while environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxins or other external influences might also play a role. The interplay between these factors is still being studied.
C. There is no evidence to support the idea that Parkinson's disease is caused by the reactivation of a virus affecting cranial nerve VII (the facial nerve). Parkinson's disease involves the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, not specifically related to viral reactivation or isolated to cranial nerve VII.
D. Demyelination of nerves is characteristic of multiple sclerosis, not Parkinson's disease. In Parkinson's disease, the primary issue is the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain, not demyelination. This option describes a different pathological process unrelated to Parkinson's disease.

Client's Response to Nitroglycerin Therapy

• Unstable Angina:
o Typically, unstable angina responds well to nitroglycerin. The relief of discomfort after nitroglycerin administration suggests that the chest pain was likely related to unstable angina, as it indicates a reduction in coronary artery spasm or temporary ischemia.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o In an MI, nitroglycerin may help alleviate pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of myocardial injury. The pain relief in an MI is generally more variable and may not be as effective if there is significant myocardial damage.

2. Client's Initial Report of Manifestations

• Unstable Angina:
o The symptoms described (shortness of breath, dizziness, and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and left arm) are consistent with unstable angina, which is characterized by episodes of chest pain or discomfort at rest or with minimal exertion, often associated with transient ischemia.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o These symptoms can also be consistent with MI, especially if they are severe or persistent. However, MI often presents with more intense and prolonged pain, and the discomfort might not always resolve with rest.

3. 12 Lead EKG Report

• Unstable Angina:
o ST depression on an EKG is more commonly associated with unstable angina, which indicates transient ischemia rather than a sustained myocardial injury.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o ST depression indicates ischemia commonly in angina.

4. Troponin Results

• Unstable Angina:
o Troponin levels are typically normal in unstable angina. The client’s troponin I (0.01 ng/mL) and troponin T (0.03 ng/mL) are within the normal range, suggesting no significant myocardial injury. This is consistent with unstable angina.
• Myocardial Infarction:
o Elevated troponin levels are a key marker of myocardial injury. The normal troponin results in this case do not support an MI diagnosis, as elevated troponin levels would be expected in MI.