American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following does NOT typically appear in patients with Parkinson's?

1. Shuffling gait

2. Postural instability

3. Normal deep tendon reflexes

4. Constant muscle weakness

The correct answer is: Constant muscle weakness

In patients with Parkinson's disease, the hallmark symptoms include bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, postural instability, and other movement-related issues. While individuals with Parkinson's may experience weakness as a consequence of their condition, constant muscle weakness is not a typical or defining characteristic of the disease itself. Instead, patients may exhibit varying degrees of muscular strength influenced by factors such as physical activity, posture, and fatigue. Normal deep tendon reflexes are typically preserved in Parkinson's disease, as this condition primarily affects voluntary movement and does not directly harm the reflex arcs. Both shuffling gait and postural instability are well-documented symptoms, commonly observed in patients due to the disease's impact on balance and coordinated movement. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that while muscle weakness can occur, it is not a specific or consistent feature associated with Parkinson's disease, differentiating it from other classic symptoms of the condition.