NCLEX Parkinson's

A client with Parkinson’s disease is having difficulty with bradykinesia. Which nursing intervention is most helpful?

1. Encourage the client to rest frequently

2. Tell the client to speak slowly and clearly

3. Promote fluid intake of 3 L per day

4. Instruct the client to rock side to side to initiate movement

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Rocking side to side can help initiate movement in clients with bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Which are typical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease? (Select all that apply.)

1. Sudden vision loss

2. Resting tremors

3. Muscle rigidity

4. Bradykinesia

5. Postural instability

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 4, 5
Rationale: Parkinson’s disease presents with the classic triad of tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, along with postural instability. Vision loss is not typical.

A client with Parkinson’s disease takes levodopa-carbidopa. Which finding should be reported to the provider?

1. Increased appetite

2. Facial grimacing and head bobbing

3. Mild dizziness when standing

4. Dry mouth

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Facial grimacing and head bobbing may indicate dyskinesia, a sign of drug toxicity requiring adjustment.

Which dietary selection is best for a client with Parkinson’s disease who has difficulty swallowing?

1. Peanut butter sandwich and carrot sticks

2. Toast with scrambled eggs

3. Mashed potatoes and ground meat

4. Steak and raw vegetables

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Soft, moist foods like mashed potatoes and ground meat are easier to chew and swallow.

A client with Parkinson’s disease is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. What instruction should the nurse provide?

1. “Take your medication at bedtime.”

2. “Change positions slowly.”

3. “Reduce your salt intake.”

4. “Avoid all exercise.”

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Changing positions slowly helps prevent dizziness or falls due to orthostatic hypotension.

What is the primary purpose of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?

1. To reduce tremors by blocking dopamine

2. To increase dopamine levels in the brain

3. To relax stiff muscles

4. To cure the disease

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, helping to improve motor symptoms.

Which statement by a client with Parkinson’s disease indicates a need for further teaching?

1. “I take my medication every day at the same time.”

2. “I use assistive devices to help with walking.”

3. “I avoid high-protein meals near my medication time.”

4. “I take my medication with milk to help absorption.”

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Dairy products (high in protein) may interfere with levodopa absorption and should be taken separately.

Which activity would help a client with Parkinson’s disease maintain mobility?

1. Walking 20 minutes a day

2. Avoiding physical activity to conserve energy

3. Taking long naps during the day

4. Avoiding the use of assistive devices

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Regular walking helps improve balance and muscle strength, supporting mobility in Parkinson’s disease.

A caregiver asks how to reduce the risk of aspiration for a Parkinson’s client. What is the nurse’s best response?

1. "Give liquids through a straw."

2. "Keep the client upright during and after meals."

3. "Encourage the client to eat quickly."

4. "Offer water at the end of the meal."

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Keeping the client upright reduces the risk of aspiration during and after eating.

A nurse assesses a Parkinson’s client and notes mask-like facial expression, drooling, and muffled speech. What is the priority concern?

1. Risk for constipation

2. Risk for falls

3. Risk for aspiration

4. Risk for infection

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Drooling and impaired swallowing increase aspiration risk, which is a priority safety issue.

What is an expected outcome of carbidopa in combination therapy?

1. It increases dopamine production directly

2. It prevents peripheral breakdown of levodopa

3. It causes the drug to act more quickly

4. It reduces the need for any dopamine agonist

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Carbidopa prevents levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, enhancing its effect.

Which nursing diagnosis takes priority in a client with advanced Parkinson’s disease?

1. Impaired physical mobility

2. Risk for aspiration

3. Risk for injury

4. Self-care deficit

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Impaired mobility underlies many complications in Parkinson’s, making it a priority diagnosis.