The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with early Huntington's disease (HD). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching plan for the client, partner, and children?
A)Use of levodopa-carbidopa to help reduce HD symptoms.
B)Need to take prophylactic antibiotics to decrease the risk for pneumonia.
C)Lifestyle changes such as increased exercise that delay disease progression.
D)Availability of genetic testing to determine the HD risk for the client's children.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic testing is available to determine whether an asymptomatic individual has the HD gene. The client and family should be informed of the benefits and problems associated with genetic testing. Sinemet will increase symptoms of HD given that HD involves an increase in dopamine. Antibiotic therapy will not reduce the risk for aspiration. There are no effective treatments or lifestyle changes that delay the progression of symptoms in HD.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Diagnosed