The nurse supervises the care of a patient with a temporary radioactive cervical implant. Which action by unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), if observed by the nurse, would require immediate intervention?

A) "ALS is caused by excess chemicals in the brain. The symptoms can be controlled with medication."
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis. It is not caused by "excess chemicals in the brain," and there are currently no medications that can cure ALS or completely control its symptoms. Medications such as riluzole can slow the progression slightly, but they do not stop or reverse the disease.

B) "The disease is progressive and will eventually lead to paralysis while maintaining cognitive function."
ALS is indeed a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to the gradual loss of muscle function due to the death of motor neurons. Over time, the patient will experience muscle weakness, atrophy, and paralysis, while the cognitive function typically remains intact until the later stages of the disease, although some patients may develop frontotemporal dementia. it is essential for the patient to understand that the disease will progressively impair their physical abilities while leaving cognitive functions largely unaffected in most cases.

C) "Before you lose cognitive function, you should consider creating an advanced directive."
While it is important for individuals with ALS to plan for the future, this statement is not entirely accurate. Cognitive function in ALS is often preserved throughout most of the disease, although there is a subset of patients who may develop frontotemporal dementia. It would be more appropriate to discuss advanced directives early in the disease, but it is not guaranteed that cognitive function will be lost before physical decline.

D) "Despite severe symptoms right now, most patients recover with treatment."
ALS is a progressive disease with no cure, and it does not typically result in recovery. While certain treatments can help manage symptoms or slow the progression of the disease, recovery is not a realistic expectation. Most patients with ALS experience gradual worsening of symptoms and ultimately may require assistance with daily activities as the disease progresses.

A) Bradycardia:
Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by blocking the action of acetylcholine. While anticholinergic medications can affect heart rate, bradycardia is not a common side effect of benztropine. In fact, benztropine may have the opposite effect, potentially causing tachycardia (increased heart rate).

B) Excess salivation:
Excessive salivation is typically a symptom of Parkinson's disease itself, due to difficulty swallowing, rather than a side effect of benztropine. In fact, benztropine, as an anticholinergic agent, generally reduces salivation (anticholinergic effect), so this side effect is unlikely to occur with benztropine therapy.

C) Urinary retention:
Benztropine, being an anticholinergic drug, can inhibit the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the bladder, leading to urinary retention. This is a common and serious side effect of anticholinergic drugs like benztropine. Urinary retention can lead to discomfort, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney problems if not addressed.

D) Diarrhea:
Benztropine is more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea due to its anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic medications often slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation.