Which intervention is appropriate to include in the plan of care for a patient with Parkinson's disease?
Soft diet with thin liquids
Assess for orthostatic hypotension
Check for exophthalmos
Limit fluids to prevent urinary incontinence
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: A soft diet with thin liquids may be recommended for patients with Parkinson's disease who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), but it is not the most appropriate intervention for all patients. Dysphagia is common in Parkinson's disease due to impaired muscle movement, and a soft diet can help prevent choking and aspiration.
Choice B reason: Assessing for orthostatic hypotension is crucial in the care of patients with Parkinson's disease. Orthostatic hypotension is a common non-motor symptom where there is a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing. Normal blood pressure should not drop more than 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic within 2 to 5 minutes of standing². This condition can increase the risk of falls, which is a significant concern in this population.
Choice C reason: Exophthalmos, the bulging of the eyes, is not associated with Parkinson's disease. It is typically related to thyroid eye disease, such as Graves' disease, and would not be a relevant assessment for a Parkinson's patient unless there is a known co-existing thyroid condition.
Choice D reason: Limiting fluids to prevent urinary incontinence is not an appropriate intervention for Parkinson's disease. Adequate hydration is essential, and urinary incontinence should be managed with other strategies, such as bladder training, scheduled toileting, and possibly medication, depending on the cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dyskinesias, which are involuntary, erratic, writhing movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk, are common side effects of long-term use of levodopa and carbidopa, especially after many years of therapy.
Choice B reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is not commonly associated as a side effect of levodopa and carbidopa.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is not typically a side effect of levodopa and carbidopa; these medications can sometimes cause low blood pressure, particularly upon standing.
Choice D reason: Cold intolerance is not a recognized side effect of levodopa and carbidopa.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The serum lactate level of 3.9 mmol/L is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.5-2 mmol/L. This is a critical value to report as it indicates a high likelihood of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Elevated lactate levels suggest that the tissues are not adequately oxygenated, a state known as tissue hypoxia, which is a hallmark of sepsis.
Choice B reason: While the vital signs show a slight fever (100°F), the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are within normal limits for an adult and do not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.
Choice C reason: A pulse oximetry reading of 96% on supplemental oxygen is within the acceptable range, indicating adequate oxygen saturation and not a direct sign of sepsis.
Choice D reason: The presence of rhonchi bilaterally suggests airway obstruction due to mucus, which can be associated with pneumonia. However, this finding alone does not carry the same immediate risk of morbidity and mortality as an elevated lactate level indicative of sepsis.
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