Final answer:
To care for a patient with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia, the nurse should offer thickened liquids to minimize the risk of aspiration and avoid using a straw for fluids. The side effects such as altered motor control can be caused by drugs affecting the basal ganglia and dopamine pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the care of a patient with advanced Parkinson's disease and dysphagia. The best action the nurse can take is to offer thickened liquids. Thickened liquids are easier to swallow and can reduce the risk of aspiration, which can be particularly dangerous in patients with dysphagia.
Encouraging fast eating is not advisable, as it increases the risk of choking and aspiration. Providing small bites can also be helpful as it allows the patient to better control the swallowing process. Using a straw for fluids can actually increase the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia, so it is not recommended.
In the scenario provided via the reference link, motor control issues not explained by common causes were considered for an elderly woman. When medications were reviewed, it was found that the side effect of a drug, probably an antipsychotic like haloperidol, could lead to changes in motor control. The regions of the nervous system that would be the focus in such side effects are the basal ganglia and the neurotransmitter pathways, notably those involving dopamine.