Parkinson Disease and the Nurse Practitioner: Diagnostic and Management Challenges

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) typically exhibit bradykinesia, rigidity, unstable posture, and, in many cases, tremor. However, initial diagnosis and ongoing assessment of PD can be difficult because individual patients will present with unique symptoms. A broad clinical knowledge base, observational skills, and recurrent patient contact allows the nurse practitioner (NP) to be a key member of the PD management team. NPs may fill many roles, including identification and management of the most challenging symptoms. These symptoms include early signs of the disease and symptom re-emergence as the disease advances.