Question

2. A 65-year-old patient with a 2-year history of PD has been experiencing an increase in symptoms, especially muscle tremors and rigidity. The patient has been taking carbidopa–levodopa (Sinemet CR) and selegiline since diagnosis. The physician has chosen to add benztropine to the patient’s medication regimen. The nurse is administering the first dose of benztropine and intends to provide patient teaching about the drug and its adverse effects.

a. What adverse effects are associated with benztropine?

Answer:  

Rationale:  

b. Given the effect the medication has on the pupils, what condition if present in the patient would cause concern?

Answer:

Rationale:

c. An indication that the addition of benztropine is effective in this patient would be relief of which PD symptom?

Answer:

Rationale:

Answer 1

ANSWER.

2.a. Adverse effect associated with Benztropine.

                   * Tachycardia

                   * Blurried vision.

                   * Cognitive changes.

                   * Anorexia.

                   * Drowsiness.

                   * Depression.

                   * Visual hallucinations.

                   * Confusion.

                   * Urinary retention.

                   * Mydriasis (Dilation of pupil).

Rationale.

      * Benzotropine is an anticholinergic drug which act by inhibiting the action of acetyl

        choline in cholenergic receptors in the nerve system result in some adverse

    effects due lack of action of acetyl choline.

b. Benzotropine cause Mydriasis ( Dilation of pupil) on the pupils.

If the patient has Angle closure glaucoma should not give benzotropines

Rationale

     If benzotropines given in a patient with angle closure glaucoma which result in

         exacerbation of symptoms of glaucoma (Dilation of pupil).

c. Benzotropine effective in relieving tremors and dystonia associated with parkinson's

   disease.

      Rationale

        Benzotropines are anticholinergic drugs which block the action of acetyl choline

        in nerve receptors and enhance the availabilty of dopamine in the brain cells for

    control of voluntary muscle movements and treating symptoms like tremor,dystonia

      associated with parkinson's disease.