Which of the following assessment findings could the nurse see in a patient with Parkinson disease? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Muscle rigidity. In Parkinson's disease, muscle rigidity is a common assessment finding due to the increased muscle tone. This results in stiffness and resistance to passive movement. The other choices are incorrect: A is incorrect because Parkinson's disease typically has a gradual onset, not abrupt. C is incorrect as tremors in Parkinson's disease are typically voluntary and rhythmic, not involuntary. D is incorrect as bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, is also a common finding in Parkinson's disease, but muscle rigidity is more specific to the disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gastrointestinal distress is a common side effect. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat dementia. Gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, is a common side effect due to increased cholinergic activity in the GI tract. This information is crucial for the patient and family to monitor and manage these symptoms. Rationale for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Hepatotoxicity and jaundice are not common side effects of rivastigmine. These side effects are more commonly associated with other medications. B: The initial dose of rivastigmine is typically lower, starting at 1.5 mg twice a day to minimize side effects. Starting at 6 mg three times a day would increase the risk of adverse effects. D: Increased appetite and weight gain are not typical side effects of rivastigmine. In fact, weight loss is more commonly reported with this medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inform the patient that perspiration may be dark and may stain clothing. This is because carbidopa-levodopa can cause dark sweat due to its effect on dopamine levels. This information is crucial for patient education to prevent unnecessary concerns or distress. Choice A is incorrect because high-protein intake can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, leading to reduced effectiveness of the medication. Choice C is incorrect because checking glucose levels with urine testing is not relevant for monitoring the effects of carbidopa-levodopa in Parkinson's disease. Blood glucose monitoring would be more appropriate for diabetes management. Choice D is incorrect because the onset of action for carbidopa-levodopa is typically faster, within hours to days, rather than 4 to 5 days. It is important for the patient to be aware of the potential side effects and expected timeline for symptom improvement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own acetylcholine receptors, leading to decreased communication between nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness. Choice A is incorrect because it describes the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, not myasthenia gravis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes multiple sclerosis, not myasthenia gravis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes Parkinson's disease, not myasthenia gravis. Remember, in myasthenia gravis, the issue is a decreased amount of acetylcholine to cholinergic receptors, not an imbalance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and acetylcholine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement that the goals of treatment are to decrease inflammation in the nervous system is not correct for multiple sclerosis. While inflammation plays a role in the development of MS, the primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve the patient's quality of life. Treatments may include medications to reduce relapses, manage symptoms, and modify the course of the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they accurately describe characteristics of multiple sclerosis such as periods of exacerbations and remissions, symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, vision and emotional problems, and the autoimmune nature of the disorder causing plaque development.