A family brings their father to his primary care physician for a checkup. Since their last visit, they note their dad has developed a tremor in his hands and feet. He also rolls his fingers like he has a marble in his hand

Question

The primary physician suspects the onset of Parkinson disease when he notes which of the following abnormalities in the client's gait?
A) Slow to start walking and has difficulty when asked to "stop" suddenly
B) Difficulty putting weight on soles of feet and tends to walk on tiptoes
C) Hyperactive leg motions like he just can't stand still
D) Takes large, exaggerated strides and swings arms/hands wildly

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
The cardinal symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) are tremor, rigidity (hypertonicity), and bradykinesia or slowness of movement. Bradykinesia is characterized by slowness in initiating and performing movements and difficulty in sudden, unexpected stopping of voluntary movements. Persons with the disease have difficulty initiating walking and difficulty turning. While walking, they may freeze in place and feel as if their feet are glued to the floor, especially when moving through a doorway or preparing to turn. When they walk, they lean forward to maintain their center of gravity and take small, shuffling steps without swinging their arms.