Coexisting dementia and depression are identified in a patient with Parkinson's disease. The nurse anticipates that the greatest improvement in the patient's condition will occur with administration of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parkinson's disease and depression are both potentially reversible conditions, and the patient's symptoms that are caused by these two conditions will improve with appropriate treatment. Anticholinergic agents are likely to worsen the patient's condition because they will block the effect of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft. There is no indication that the patient needs an antipsychotic agent at this time. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be effective for the depression, but it does not address the patient's other conditions.

Coexisting Dementia and Depression Are Identified in a Patient with Parkinson's