What is the priority manifestation the nurse should watch for in a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?

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In the context of Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a significant concern that can impact the patient’s nutritional intake and overall health. It can lead to complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant about swallowing function in affected individuals.

While bradykinesia, tremors, and rigidity are key motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, they primarily affect voluntary movement and coordination. Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement, tremors describe the involuntary shaking often seen at rest, and rigidity involves muscle stiffness. These symptoms contribute to the overall disability of the patient but do not carry the immediate danger associated with swallowing difficulties. Since dysphagia can lead to life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly, monitoring for this condition becomes a priority for nurses caring for clients with Parkinson’s disease. This priority reflects the need to ensure patient safety and maintain quality of life through proper management of one of the possible complications of the disease.

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