A nurse is caring for a 70-year-old client who is receiving anticholinergic drug therapy for Parkinson's disease. The nurse would be alert for the development of which of the following in this client?
A) Confusion and disorientation
B) Choreiform movements
C) Suicidal tendencies
D) Psychotic episodes
Ans: A
Feedback:
The nurse should assess for confusion and disorientation when caring for this elderly client receiving anticholinergic drug therapy. Individuals older than 60 years frequently develop increased sensitivity to anticholinergic drugs and require careful monitoring. Lower doses may also be required in such cases. Choreiform movements, suicidal tendencies, and psychotic episodes are serious adverse reactions associated with the use of levodopa, which is a dopaminergic drug.
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