Case Study, Chapter 70, Management of Patients

WithOncologic or Degenerative Neurologic Disorders

1.Ida Parker, a 67-year-old patient, was admitted to the intensive care unit
with the diagnosis of lung cancer and underwent a left lower lobectomy. The
patient has a history of Parkinson disease. The patient was 2 days
postoperative when the nurse noted that she had not received her anti-
Parkinson medications for 2 days. The patient was frozen and unable to move
or talk to the nurse.(Learning Objective 4)

a. What actions should the nurse take next?

b. The physician reorders the carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) and

benztropine meysylate (Cogentin). The physician orders an enteral
feeding tube placed and confirmed by chest x-ray. Once the radiologist
has confirmed correct placement, tube feeding with the specified
formula that is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein will begin.
What is the rationale for the enteral feeding tube? How should the
nurse administer the medications?

2.The clinical nurse specialist working on the neurologic units is asked by the
staff to develop a list of supportive resources for patients and their families
who are affected by oncologic or degenerative neurologic disorders. The
clinical nurse specialist provides both national and local services available on
this list that staff may use when caring for patients and their families.
(Learning Objective 5)

a. What national support services are available for patients/families

diagnosed with neurologic oncology problems? (Provide a brief
description of the services provided.)

b. What local support services and online support groups are available for
patients/families diagnosed with neurologic oncology problems?

c. What national support services are available for patients/families

diagnosed with degenerative neurologic problems? (Provide a brief
description of the services provided.)

d. What local support services and online support groups are available for
patients/families diagnosed with degenerative neurologic problems?