SCENARIO OVERVIEW:
Charles Peterson (he/ his/ him) is a client admitted for a fall and suspected closed head injury. The client has a history of Parkinson’s Disease and reports losing their balance while walking. The client reports hitting their head on the floor and denies loss of consciousness. Client is a retired farmer and lives with their wife on the family farm. The wife reports changes in Charles’ ability to complete activities of daily living. The scenario starts as the patient arrives to the unit from the Emergency Department.
1. What neurological assessment findings would you anticipate for a patient who has Parkinson’s Disease? What safety precautions would you anticipate for this patient?
2. Your patient is a 72-year-old male, who has Parkinson’s Disease and was admitted for a fall and possible closed head injury.
Home Medications:
Carbidopa/Levodopa 25/100 mg PO TID
For each medication, describe the following:
• Mechanism of action
• Safe dose range
• Expected half-life
• Side effects
3. What safety precautions would you anticipate for a high-risk fall patient?