A nurse is teaching a patient newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about the pathophysiology of the condition. Which of the following explanations best describes the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease?
Inflammation of the motor cortex leads to decreased coordination and balance
Degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain leads to motor dysfunction
A loss of acetylcholine in the brain leads to memory problems and cognitive decline.
Excess production of dopamine in the basal ganglia leads to tremors and muscle rigidity.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Inflammation of the motor cortex leads to decreased coordination and balance. Parkinson’s disease is not caused by inflammation in the motor cortex; it primarily involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons.
B. Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain leads to motor dysfunction. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
C. A loss of acetylcholine in the brain leads to memory problems and cognitive decline. While a loss of acetylcholine is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, it is not the primary issue in Parkinson’s disease.
D. Excess production of dopamine in the basal ganglia leads to tremors and muscle rigidity. In Parkinson’s disease, there is a decrease, not an excess, in dopamine production, which contributes to motor symptoms.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Pain in the neck when the patient flexes their head towards the chest. This describes nuchal rigidity, not Kernig sign.
B. Involuntary flexion of the hips and knees when the neck is flexed. This describes Brudzinski sign, not Kernig sign.
C. Photophobia and headache triggered by bright light. These are symptoms of meningitis, but they are not specific to Kernig sign.
D. Pain and resistance when attempting to extend the patient's leg from a flexed position. A positive Kernig sign is when there is pain and resistance to leg extension from a flexed hip and knee position, indicating meningeal irritation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis typically causes constant pain, swelling, and redness and does not improve with rest.
B. Restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually at rest, and is not associated with walking.
C. Intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of PAD where muscle pain or cramping occurs during activity and is relieved with rest due to insufficient blood flow.
D. Varicose veins. Varicose veins generally cause aching and swelling rather than pain triggered specifically by walking.