Parkinson's Disease: NCLEX Priorities
Parkinson's: tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability. Levodopa, carbidopa, dyskinesias.
Parkinson's is dopamine deficiency. NCLEX tests TRAP signs, levodopa management, and fall risk.
TRAP signs
Tremor (resting, pill-rolling), Rigidity (cogwheel), Akinesia/bradykinesia, Postural instability.
Levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet)
Mainstay. Carbidopa prevents peripheral levodopa breakdown (less nausea). On-off phenomenon with chronic use. Dyskinesias at peak doses. Take consistently.
Other meds
Dopamine agonists (pramipexole), MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline, rasagiline), COMT inhibitors (entacapone), anticholinergics (for tremor in younger).
Surgery
Deep brain stimulation (STN) for advanced disease with motor fluctuations.
Fall prevention
Risk increases with disease progression. PT, home safety, assistive devices.
Frequently asked
Levodopa with protein meal?
Protein competes with levodopa absorption. Take 30 min before or 60 min after protein for better effect.
Anticholinergics in elderly Parkinson's?
Generally avoided, confusion risk.
Quick check
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