Deck 23: Drugs for Neurologic Disorders: Parkinsonism and Alzheimers Disease

Question 1

The client has been started on Sinemet. She is also being treated with an MAO inhibitor medication. The nurse anticipates that which of the client's vital signs should be most closely monitored?

A) Blood pressure
B) Apical pulse
C) Temperature
D) Respirations

Answer 1

Blood pressure

Question 2

The client with ________ would not be a candidate for treatment with Sinemet.

A) narrow-angle glaucoma
B) gastrointestinal distention
C) bradycardia
D) urinary frequency

Answer 2

narrow-angle glaucoma

Question 3

A client is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In developing a teaching plan for the client's family members, the nurse bases the plan on the idea that Alzheimer's disease is a(n):

A) curable dementia-type illness.
B) form of mental illness.
C) chronic, progressive condition.
D) acute, treatable disease.

Answer 3

chronic, progressive condition.

Question 4

A client is admitted with the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The nurse is vigilant for which symptom?

A) Gastrointestinal upset
B) Inability to remember name
C) Bradykinesia
D) Disorientation

Question 5

A client is being treated with carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. Which symptom indicates a positive response to the medication?

A) Increase in ability to remember name and recent events
B) Decrease in tremoring and bradykinesia
C) Acceleration of random movements
D) Decrease in metabolic rate and vital signs

Question 6

Tacrine (Cognex) has a short half-life. The nurse would anticipate that this medication would be ordered how often?

A) Every other day
B) Daily
C) bid
D) qid

Question 7

The client has been prescribed carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet). The highest priority instruction for the client is to avoid eating:

A) oranges.
B) lima beans.
C) spinach.
D) watermelon.

Question 8

Tacrine (Cognex) is ordered for a client. Because of its most life-threatening adverse reaction, the nurse is aware that which levels should be frequently evaluated?

A) Liver enzymes
B) BUN and creatinine levels
C) White blood cell count
D) Serum albumin levels

Question 9

The client has been ordered treatment with Sinemet. He tells the nurse that he has previously been diagnosed and treated for malignant melanoma. What is the best response from the nurse?

A) "The medication does not have any effect on diseases such as malignant melanoma."
B) "The medication is contraindicated when you have had malignant melanoma."
C) "The medication will prevent a recurrence of malignant melanoma."
D) "The medication may lead to a recurrence of malignant melanoma."

Question 10

A client with Alzheimer's disease receives tacrine (Cognex). Her son is commenting on his mother's condition. Which comment indicates an expected positive effect from this medication?

A) "My mother is less unstable on her feet."
B) "My mother is not deteriorating at this time."
C) "My mother seems to be cured of her Alzheimer's."
D) "My mother is no longer at risk of the effects of Alzheimer's."

Question 11

The client has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and needs to be started on an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug. He has preexisting liver disease. The nurse anticipates the he will most likely be ordered which drug?

A) Aricept
B) Hydergine
C) Exelon
D) Cognex

Question 12

A client is diagnosed with parkinsonism. He is ordered to receive levodopa (L-dopa) 750 mg qid. What side effects should the nurse watch for?

A) Cardiac dysrhythmias, behavioral changes, and orthostatic hypotension
B) Increased urination, increased libido, and muscle weakness
C) Hypotension, anorexia, and dyspnea
D) Decreased libido, hypertension, and palpitations

Question 13

What antiviral drug is used to decrease parkinsonism symptoms?

A) Amantadine (Symmetrel)
B) Pergolide (Permax)
C) Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
D) Selegiline (Eldepryl)

Question 14

In parkinsonism, what is the neurotransmitter that is in excess, causing excitation and movement disorders?

A) Acetylcholine
B) Norepinephrine
C) Epinephrine
D) Dopamine

Question 15

The client has been placed on Tacrine. What is the best time for the nurse to administer the medication?

A) 8:00 PM
B) 12:30 PM
C) 2:00 PM
D) 5:30 PM

Question 16

A client with Parkinson's disease is receiving levodopa (L-dopa) to reduce symptoms. What would indicate the effectiveness of the medication?

A) Increasing tremoring
B) Decreasing pill-rolling
C) Hyperactivity
D) Bradykinesia

Question 17

Which is a realistic goal regarding medication for the client with advanced Alzheimer's disease?

A) The client will demonstrate independent medication administration behaviors throughout the course of the disease.
B) With assistance, the client will receive medications at appropriate times throughout the course of the illness.
C) The client will demonstrate progressive improvement in cognitive function for the next year.
D) The client will report a decrease in memory loss by the next healthcare provider visit.