Parkinson's disease
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Neuromedium priorityneeds review
Parkinson's disease
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons.
- Dopamine deficit causes bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Dopaminergic agents | Improve motor symptoms by increasing dopamine effect. |
| Anticholinergics | May reduce tremor or medication-related EPS in selected clients. |
Nursing actions
- Support fall precautions, swallowing safety, and medication timing.
- Encourage mobility, speech/swallow therapy, and nutrition planning.
- Monitor orthostatic hypotension and hallucinations from therapy.
Complications
- Aspiration
- Falls
- Constipation
- Medication wearing off
NCLEX cues
- Shuffling gait, mask-like face, pill-rolling tremor.
- Late dose worsens mobility.
Memory hooks
- Parkinson is slow and stiff; meds are clock-sensitive.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.