Author Question: A patient who has Parkinson's disease is being treated with the anticholinergic medication ... (Read 59 times)

MGLQZ · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who has Parkinson's disease is being treated with the anticholinergic medication benztropine (Cogentin). The nurse will tell the patient that this drug will have which effect?

a. Helping the patient to walk faster
b. Improving mental function
c. Minimizing symptoms of bradykinesia
d. Reducing some of the tremors

Question 2

A patient who has parkinsonism has been taking carbidopa-levodopa and has shown improvement in symptoms but develops dystonic movements, nausea, and vomiting.

Which medication will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient to replace carbidopa-levodopa?
a. Amantadine HCl (Symmetrel)
b. Benztropine (Cogentin)
c. Bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel)
d. Tacrine (Cognex)

mrphibs · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Benztropine is given to reduce rigidity and some of the tremors. It does not enhance walking or reduce bradykinesia or improve mental function.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Bromocriptine is often used for patients who do not tolerate carbidopa-levodopa. Amantadine is useful for treating Parkinson's disease but does not have sustained effects. Benztropine is given to reduce muscle rigidity and some tremors. Tacrine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.