PARKINSON'S & ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (WITH
RATIONALES)
1. A patient with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-
levodopa. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further
teaching?
A. "I should take this medication with food to reduce nausea."
B. "I may notice my sweat turning a dark color."
C. "I should avoid high-protein meals around the time I take this drug."
D. "I can expect my symptoms to improve within 24 hours."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Carbidopa-levodopa may take several days to weeks before
therapeutic effects are seen. Patients should not expect immediate
improvement. Taking with food可以减少 nausea, dark perspiration is a
known side effect, and high-protein meals can interfere with
absorption.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease who is
taking rivastigmine (Exelon). Which side effect should the nurse
prioritize in patient teaching?
A. Hepatotoxicity
B. Weight gain
C. Gastrointestinal distress
D. Hypertension
,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rivastigmine commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects
such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hepatotoxicity is not a primary
concern with this medication. Weight loss rather than weight gain may
occur.
3. A patient with parkinsonism is taking an anticholinergic medication.
Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
B. Use sugar-free hard candy for dry mouth.
C. Wear sunglasses to reduce photophobia.
D. Urinate immediately after taking the medication.
E. Schedule routine eye examinations.
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale: Anticholinergics cause dry mouth, photophobia, and may
increase intraocular pressure. Patients should avoid alcohol and
caffeine, use hard candy for dry mouth, wear sunglasses, and have
routine eye exams. Urinating 2 hours after taking the drug is not a
standard recommendation.
4. The nurse is teaching a family member of a patient with Alzheimer's
disease. Which statement indicates that more teaching is needed?
A. "Memory loss will worsen as the disease progresses."
B. "There are several theories about what causes the disease."
C. "Personality changes and hostility may occur."
D. "Several medications may cure the disease."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Medications may
,help manage symptoms but do not cure the disease. The other
statements are accurate.
5. A patient is prescribed carbidopa-levodopa for Parkinson's disease.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage a high-protein diet.
B. Inform the patient that perspiration may be dark and stain clothing.
C. Advise checking glucose levels with urine testing.
D. Warn that it takes 4 to 5 days for symptom control.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Carbidopa-levodopa can cause dark discoloration of sweat
and urine, which may stain clothing. A low-protein diet is recommended
around medication times. Blood glucose monitoring is not specifically
indicated. Symptom control may take weeks.
6. A patient with glaucoma is being evaluated for Parkinson's disease
therapy. Which medication class would be contraindicated?
A. Dopaminergic agents
B. Anticholinergics
C. COMT inhibitors
D. MAO-B inhibitors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anticholinergic medications are contraindicated in patients
with glaucoma because they can increase intraocular pressure.
Dopaminergic agents and other Parkinson's medications may be used
with caution.
7. The LPN is caring for a patient with Parkinson's disease who exhibits
a shuffling gait and tremors. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority?
A. Risk for injury related to impaired mobility
, B. Impaired verbal communication
C. Disturbed body image
D. Social isolation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The shuffling gait and tremors increase the patient's risk for
falls and injury, making safety the priority. While other diagnoses may
apply, safety is the most immediate concern.
8. A patient with Alzheimer's disease is wandering at night. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Apply physical restraints to prevent injury.
B. Place the patient in a room near the nurses' station.
C. Administer a sedative medication.
D. Keep the patient in bed with side rails up.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing the patient near the nurses' station allows for closer
observation. Restraints should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Sedatives may increase confusion. Side rails alone do not prevent
wandering.
9. The nurse is administering rivastigmine to a patient with dementia.
Which assessment finding should be reported immediately?
A. Nausea
B. Dizziness
C. Vomiting and diarrhea
D. Headache
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and