Based on this description, what is the most likely reason for the patient's symptoms?
A 73-year-old nurse comes to your office for evaluation of new onset of tremors. She is not on any medications and does not take herbs or supplements. She has no chronic medical conditions. She does not smoke or drink alcohol. She walks into the examination room with slow movements and shuffling steps. She has decreased facial mobility and a blunt expression, without any changes in hair distribution on her face.
A) Cushing's syndrome
B) Nephrotic syndrome
C) Myxedema
D) Parkinson's disease
D) Parkinson's disease
This is a typical description for a patient with Parkinson's disease. Facial mobility is decreased, which results in a blunt expression—a “masked” appearance. The patient also has decreased blinking and a characteristic stare with an upward gaze. In combination with the findings of slow movements and a shuffling gait, the diagnosis of Parkinson's is almost clinched.
You might also like to view...
A client overhears a nurse describe someone as an SOB. When the nurse comes into the client's room, the client asks the nurse to please tell him if he is being an SOB. What does this information communicate to the nurse?
a. The client was eavesdropping on a conversation. b. The client does not understand that SOB means shortness of breath. c. The client realizes that he is needy and being a pest. d. The nurse should close the client's door.
An older patient is experiencing abdominal discomfort. What should the nurse do when examining this patient's abdominal area? Select all that apply.
1. Warm the hands. 2. Palpate in areas closest to the pain first. 3. Use moderate pressure on the painful area. 4. Auscultate bowel sounds prior to palpation. 5. Examine the abdomen for abnormal peristaltic waves prior to palpation.
Parents tell the nurse they found their 3-year-old daughter and a male cousin of the same age inspecting each other closely as they used the bathroom. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?
a. Punish the children so this behavior stops. b. Neither condone nor condemn the curiosity. c. Get counseling for this unusual and dangerous behavior. d. Allow the children unrestricted permission to satisfy this curiosity.
A potentially life-threatening adverse response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is angioedema. Which of the following statements is true about this adverse response?
1. Swelling of the tongue or hoarseness are the most common symptoms. 2. It appears to be related to the decrease in aldosterone production. 3. Presence of a dry, hacky cough indicates a high risk for this adverse response. 4. Because it takes time to build up a blood level, it occurs after being on the drug for about 1 week.