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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