NCLEX Parkinson’s Disease Questions | NCLEX Preparation

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Dopamine is essential for smooth, coordinated muscle movements. When dopamine levels decrease, patients develop the characteristic motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowed movements. It is important to distinguish between Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism. While Parkinsonism refers to a group of conditions that mimic PD symptoms (such as drug-induced or vascular parkinsonism), true Parkinson’s disease is idiopathic and progressive. For nursing students preparing for the NCLEX, understanding Parkinson’s disease is essential because it touches on neurological nursing, pharmacology, patient safety, and chronic care planning.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease presents with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Recognizing these signs is critical for NCLEX exam questions, which often test priority assessment and interventions.

Cardinal Motor Symptoms (TRAP)

• Tremor: Resting tremor, often described as “pill-rolling.”

• Rigidity: Muscle stiffness that can limit range of motion.

• Akinesia/Bradykinesia: Slowness or absence of movement.

• Postural Instability: Impaired balance leading to increased fall risk.

Non-Motor Symptoms

• Depression and anxiety.

• Sleep disturbances.

• Autonomic dysfunction (orthostatic hypotension, constipation).

• Cognitive changes, including dementia in late stages.

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease (Hoehn and Yahr Classification)

1. Stage I: Mild symptoms, unilateral involvement.

2. Stage II: Bilateral symptoms, minimal disability.

3. Stage III: Postural instability, mild to moderate functional impairment.

4. Stage IV: Severe disability but still able to walk or stand.

5. Stage V: Wheelchair-bound or bedridden without assistance.

NCLEX Tip: Questions may ask which stage a patient is in based on symptoms or what nursing priority should be given (e.g., fall prevention in stage III or later).

Prevention and Treatment

There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, but symptom management is the cornerstone of treatment. Nursing students must be familiar with medications, therapies, and patient education.

Pharmacological Management

• Levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet): Gold standard; helps replenish dopamine.

• Dopamine agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole): Mimic dopamine activity.

• MAO-B inhibitors (Selegiline, Rasagiline): Prevent dopamine breakdown.

• Anticholinergics (Benztropine): Reduce tremors and rigidity.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions

• Physical therapy: Maintain mobility and reduce contractures.

• Occupational therapy: Support ADLs (activities of daily living).

• Speech therapy: Help with dysarthria and swallowing problems.

Surgical Option

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes implanted in the brain to control tremors and rigidity.

NCLEX Tip: Students must know patient teaching for levodopa, such as avoiding high-protein meals (which interfere with absorption) and recognizing side effects like dyskinesia.

NCLEX-Style Questions on Parkinson’s Disease

1. Which medication is first-line for motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

   • A. Levodopa-carbidopa

   • B. Benztropine

   • C. Pramipexole

   • D. Rasagiline
     Rationale: Levodopa-carbidopa remains the gold standard treatment.(Correct Ans: A)

2. A patient on levodopa reports nausea and dizziness. What is the nurse’s priority action?

   • A. Hold the medication

   • B. Administer with food

   • C. Notify the provider immediately

   • D. Encourage fluid intake
     Rationale: Administering with a small, non-protein snack can reduce GI upset.(Correct Ans: B)

3. What nursing intervention reduces fall risk in Parkinson’s patients?

   • A. Encourage large steps

   • B. Use of assistive devices

   • C. Encourage walking without assistance

   • D. Delay ambulation until tremors stop
     Rationale: Assistive devices and environmental modifications are best.(Correct Ans: B)

4. Which finding is a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease?

   • A. Tremors

   • B. Rigidity

   • C. Constipation

   • D. Bradykinesia
     Rationale: Constipation results from autonomic dysfunction.(Correct Ans: C)

5. Which nursing diagnosis is priority for advanced Parkinson’s disease?

   • A. Risk for falls

   • B. Impaired verbal communication

   • C. Self-care deficit

   • D. Risk for impaired skin integrity
     Rationale: Safety always comes first in NCLEX prioritization.(Correct Ans: A)

6. A Parkinson’s patient asks why protein intake should be managed. The nurse responds:

   • A. “Protein worsens tremors.”

   • B. “Protein blocks levodopa absorption.”

   • C. “Protein increases rigidity.”

   • D. “Protein causes bradykinesia.”(Correct Ans: B)

7. SATA: Which are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

   • A. Tremor

   • B. Bradykinesia

   • C. Hyperreflexia

   • D. Rigidity

   • E. Tachycardia
     Rationale: Only the TRAP symptoms are correct here.(Correct Ans: A,B and C)

8. Which home modification is most important for Parkinson’s patients?

   • A. Install area rugs

   • B. Keep dim lighting at night

   • C. Remove loose cords and clutter

   • D. Encourage stairs for exercise(Correct Ans: C)

9. Priority teaching for a patient on MAO-B inhibitors is to avoid:

   • A. High-sugar foods

   • B. High-tyramine foods

   • C. High-calcium foods

   • D. High-fat foods(Correct Ans: B)

10. What is the major risk of bradykinesia?

    • A. Malnutrition

    • B. Falls

    • C. Overeating

    • D. Hypertension(Correct Ans: B)

How to Prepare for Parkinson’s Disease NCLEX Questions

• Focus on high-yield concepts: Safety, mobility, and medication education are commonly tested.

• Use mnemonics: TRAP = Tremor, Rigidity, Akinesia, Postural Instability.

• Practice SATA and priority questions: These often appear on NCLEX.

• Review nursing diagnoses: Risk for falls, impaired physical mobility, self-care deficit, impaired verbal communication.

• Use practice platforms: UWorld, Kaplan, or Nexus Nursing Institute’s specialized NCLEX prep courses.

• Case-based learning: Review patient scenarios that integrate both motor and non-motor symptom management.

Final Comments

Parkinson’s disease remains a frequently tested topic on the NCLEX, as it bridges neurological care, pharmacology, patient safety, and chronic illness management. For success, nursing students should not only memorize symptoms and medications but also understand how to prioritize nursing actions.

Consistent practice with NCLEX-style Parkinson’s disease questions helps build critical thinking and ensures readiness for exam day.

With the right preparation and resources—such as structured review courses, question banks, and clinical reasoning practice—students can confidently approach Parkinson’s-related questions on the NCLEX and perform at their best.