A client with Parkinson's disease receives a prescription for benztropine. Which common adverse effect(s) should the nurse include in the teaching plan? Select all that apply
Explanation & Rationale
A. Tremors: Benztropine is an anticholinergic used to reduce tremors in Parkinson’s disease, so tremors are not an expected adverse effect of this medication. B. Urinary retention: Anticholinergic effects of benztropine can decrease bladder contractility, leading to urinary retention, which is a common side effect that clients should monitor. C. Blurred vision: Benztropine can cause blurred vision due to its anticholinergic effect on the eyes, including pupillary dilation and impaired accommodation. Clients should be cautioned about visual changes. D. Diarrhea is uncommon with benztropine; in fact, anticholinergic medications more often cause constipation rather than diarrhea. E. Drooling: Benztropine reduces salivation, so drooling is not expected. The medication may actually help decrease excessive salivation associated with Parkinson’s disease.