Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

A person with verbal apraxia has difficulty with what?

1. Understanding spoken language

2. Voluntary speech

3. Non-verbal communication

4. Reading and writing

The correct answer is: Voluntary speech

A person with verbal apraxia experiences difficulty with the planning and coordination required to execute the movements necessary for speech production. This condition primarily affects a person's ability to produce words accurately and consistently, impacting voluntary speech. While individuals with verbal apraxia may understand language and have the capability to communicate non-verbally, their challenge lies in initiating and managing the specific muscle movements involved in speaking. This results in distorted or inconsistent sounds during attempts at verbal communication. Understanding spoken language, engaging in non-verbal communication, and reading and writing are typically preserved in individuals with verbal apraxia, distinguishing it from other communication disorders that might affect those areas.