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In: Nursing

Dan, a 50-year-old man, is experiencing muscle stiffness and shaky hands. In the office, you also...

Dan, a 50-year-old man, is experiencing muscle stiffness and shaky hands. In the office, you also note his stooped posture. Tests reveal a deficiency of dopamine, which helps confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson disease. Knowing that there is no cure, Dan is upset and ambivalent about taking medication. How can you help Dan understand his condition and how his medication, levodopa plus carbidopa (Sinemet), will help him?

Solutions

Expert Solution

Levodopa is in a class of medications known to be central nervous system agents. It acts by being converted to dopamine in the brain.

Carbidopa is a kind of medications called decarboxylase inhibitors. It acts by stopping levodopa from being broken down before it arrives the brain. This permits for a lower dose of levodopa, which causes less nausea and vomiting.

How can you help Dan understand his condition and how his medication, levodopa plus carbidopa (Sinemet), will help him?

  • Give psychological support to Dan
  • Take him out of the room or ward to show around that he can still enjoy the nature rather than isolating himself because of the his condition
  • Encourage him to do mild exercises
  • Help him to feel normal
  • Organise a meeting with other PD patients to motivate him to thirve in life
  • Be very patient with him
  • Ask and clarify all his doubts
  • Be approachable
  • Explain about the positive outcomes of his life though he's having Parkinson disease
  • If verbal communication is hindered ask and answer through sign language
  • You educate yourself and him about symptoms, treatments, and the progression of the condition
  • Set realistic goals for him
  • However there is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease, eating a balanced, nutritious diet is extremely beneficial and it must be encouraged
  • Help him to avoid falls and spillages
  • Plan ahead before making travel plans with him
  • If Dan is confident to drive encourage him with it .

Nightingale answered 2 years ago
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