The nurse is providing care for an 82-year-old man whose signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have worsened over the past several months.
The man states that he can no longer do as many things for himself as he used to be able to. What factor should the nurse recognize as impacting the client’s life most significantly?

Choice A rationale
Slowing of activity, also known as bradykinesia, is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It is characterized by a general reduction in the speed and amplitude of voluntary movements, leading to difficulties with tasks such as walking, talking, and performing other self-care activities.
Choice B rationale
Muscle flaccidity is not typically associated with Parkinson’s disease. Instead, people with Parkinson’s often experience muscle rigidity or stiffness.
Choice C rationale
A gait with the body leaning backward is not a typical symptom of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease often have a stooped posture, with the body leaning forward.
Choice D rationale
Continuous tremors are a hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s disease, but they are not present in all cases. Tremors in Parkinson’s disease are often described as a “pill-rolling” tremor because the movement resembles the motion of trying to roll a pill between the thumb and index finger.

Choice A rationale
Speaking slowly and clearly using yes/no questions one at a time can help facilitate communication with a client diagnosed with aphasia.
Choice B rationale

Asking a family member if they know what the client wants may not always be effective, as the client may have difficulty expressing their needs even to family members.
Choice C rationale
Repeating the same question multiple times may not be effective and could potentially frustrate the client.
Choice D rationale
Putting a cell phone in their right hand to text their questions assumes that the client has the ability to text, which may not be the case for all clients diagnosed with aphasia.