Nursing Process And Implications For Parkison's Disease

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Nursing Process and Implications/Teaching

Parkinson’s disease


In any patient a thoughrough history and assessment is needed. After obtaining this data you will be able to loosely classify the extent/level of Parkinsonism that is being exhibited by the patient. There are five stages;
• Stage 1: Involvement of one limb, slight change in speech, tremor may be noticed. Small changes also in facial expression, posture, and movement.
• Stage 2: Two limbs now are involved. Here early postural changes, some social withdrawal, and possible depression are seen.
• Stage 3: Gait disturbances that are significant and moderate generalized disability.
• Stage 4: Akinesia (abnormal state of motor and psychic hypoactivity or muscle paralysis), rigidity, and severe disability.
• Stage 5: Unable to stand or walk even perform any and all activities of daily living are gone.
Being able to classify Parkinson patients allows for better and proper nursing and medical care to be given. Knowing where the patient is at, what they have been through, and where they are going next makes it much easier for the nurse or caregiver to set up a plan of care.
While there are good medications on the market for Parkinson’s disease, their side effects can be less than desirable. Simple nursing interventions/implications can help relieve or make the side effects more tolerable.
For dry mouth, offer sugarless candy or gum, ice, sips of water frequently, and enforce good oral hygiene. For blurred vision, explain to the patient that it will more than likely go away after a few weeks. Also assist the patient with activity that good vision is needed. Constipation can be a problem, so encouraging a high fiber diet and lots of water (if not contraindicated) is a good move. Constantly assess and reassess for abdominal distention, absent bowel sounds, nausea and vomiting, and epigastric pain. All of this could point toward paralytic il...