Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by bradykinesia (loss of autonomic movements), rigidity, and tremors. Clients with PD have an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in which dopamine is not produced in high enough quantities to inhibit acetylcholine. Anticholinergic medications (eg, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) are commonly used to treat tremor in these clients. However, in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or glaucoma, caution must be taken as anticholinergic drugs can precipitate urinary retention and an acute glaucoma episode. As a result, such medications are contraindicated in these clients
(Option 2) Decreased ability to exercise is common in clients with PD due to tremors and bradykinesia, and they require physical and occupational therapy consultations. However, acute glaucoma can be sight threatening and is the priority.
(Option 3) Esomeprazole is safe to take with benztropine and will not cause an adverse reaction.
(Option 4) Constipation is a common side effect of benztropine. Due to the characteristic decreased mobility, PD can also cause constipation. The client should be instructed to increase dietary fiber intake and drink plenty of water. However, this is not the most concerning issue.
Educational objective: Anticholinergic medications (eg, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) are used to treat Parkinson disease tremor. However, they can precipitate acute glaucoma and urinary retention and are therefore contraindicated in susceptible clients (eg, those with glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia).
Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by bradykinesia (loss of autonomic movements), rigidity, and tremors. Clients with PD have an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in which dopamine is not produced in high enough quantities to inhibit acetylcholine. Anticholinergic medications (eg, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) are commonly used to treat tremor in these clients. However, in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia or glaucoma, caution must be taken as anticholinergic drugs can precipitate urinary retention and an acute glaucoma episode. As a result, such medications are contraindicated in these clients
(Option 2) Decreased ability to exercise is common in clients with PD due to tremors and bradykinesia, and they require physical and occupational therapy consultations. However, acute glaucoma can be sight threatening and is the priority.
(Option 3) Esomeprazole is safe to take with benztropine and will not cause an adverse reaction.
(Option 4) Constipation is a common side effect of benztropine. Due to the characteristic decreased mobility, PD can also cause constipation. The client should be instructed to increase dietary fiber intake and drink plenty of water. However, this is not the most concerning issue.
Educational objective: Anticholinergic medications (eg, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) are used to treat Parkinson disease tremor. However, they can precipitate acute glaucoma and urinary retention and are therefore contraindicated in susceptible clients (eg, those with glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia).
