A nurse is seeing a 71-year-old patient with Parkinson disease. The patient has frequent episodes of crying and reports having panic attacks, during which she feels as though she can't breathe. How should the nurse respond?
1. Inform the patient that depression is a normal reaction to a diagnosis of physical illness and it will naturally improve over time.
2. Inform the patient that a diagnosis of depression is unrelated to a diagnosis of Parkinson disease and refer the patient for counseling.
3. Inform the patient that brain changes that occur with Parkinson disease may be associated with high levels of depression and anxiety and may respond to pharmacotherapy.
4. Inform the patient that pharmacological treatment for depression is usually unsuccessful in patients with Parkinson disease because of possible side effects.
Answer: 3
Explanation: Research suggests that high levels of depression and anxiety observed in Parkinson disease are a primary consequence of brain changes found in the disease and, therefore, may respond to pharmacotherapy. Although the rate of depression may rise with some physical illnesses, the rates vary depending on the illness and cannot be expected to improve without intervention. A diagnosis of depression is strongly associated with Parkinson disease. Although some early studies indicated concern over side effects, later studies have associated treatment for depression with motor as well as mood improvements in patients with Parkinson disease.
You might also like to view...
The nurse has just finished a parent teaching session on preventing heat-related illnesses for children who exercise. Which statement by a parent indicates understanding of preventive techniques taught?
1. Hydration should occur at the end of an exercise session. 2. Water is the drink of choice to replenish fluids. 3. Wearing dark clothing during exercise is recommended. 4. During activity, stop for fluids every 15–20 minutes.
While recording in a patient's medical record, the nurse notices that a patient's Hematest results are positive. This finding means that there is(are):
a. Crystals in his urine. b. Parasites in his stool. c. Occult blood in his stool. d. Bacteria in his sputum.
The nurse analyzing a patient's electrocardiogram tracing would suspect atrial fibrillation if it displayed which characteristics? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected
Select all that apply. 1. The atrial rate can be calculated by counting the P waves in 6 seconds and multiplying by 10. 2. P waves are replaced by "f waves," or atrial quivering. 3. The PR intervals are measurable. 4. The ventricular rhythm is irregular. 5. The QT interval cannot be measured because the T waves are buried in the "f" waves.
Phimosis is:
A. undescended testes. B. an advanced and fixed foreskin too tight to retract over the glans. C. hard, subcutaneous plaques associated with painful bending of the erect penis. D. a prolonged, painful erection of the penis without sexual desire.