In formulating the nursing care plan for a client diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which nursing problem has the highest priority?
A.
Impaired physical mobility relative to muscle rigidity.
B.
Risk for aspiration relative to muscle weakness.
C.
Risk for constipation relative to immobility.
D.
Self-care deficit relative to motor disturbance.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
For a client diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the nursing problem with the highest priority is B. Risk for aspiration relative to muscle weakness.
Explanation:
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. One of the key manifestations of Parkinson’s disease is muscle weakness and difficulty with motor control, which can impact a variety of daily functions and increase the risk of several complications.
Among the listed options, the risk for aspiration stands out as the highest priority due to its potential to lead to life-threatening complications. Aspiration occurs when food, liquids, or saliva are inhaled into the airway instead of being swallowed properly into the esophagus. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
In Parkinson’s disease, the motor disturbances often include difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia) and compromised cough reflexes due to muscle weakness and reduced motor control. These factors significantly increase the risk of aspiration. Additionally, the progression of Parkinson’s disease can lead to worsening dysphagia, making it even more crucial to monitor and manage the risk of aspiration effectively.
While the other nursing problems are also important and should be addressed, the risk for aspiration is particularly critical because of its potential to lead to severe respiratory complications and impact the client’s overall health status. Immediate and effective measures to reduce aspiration risk, such as monitoring swallowing abilities, adjusting food and fluid consistencies, and employing strategies to improve safe swallowing, are essential in the care plan.
Addressing aspiration risk helps prevent acute complications that can lead to hospitalization and significant deterioration in health. Therefore, prioritizing interventions to manage and reduce the risk of aspiration is crucial in the nursing care plan for a client with Parkinson’s disease.