Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What does apraxia manifest as in a patient?

1. Severe tremor

2. Neglect of the affected side of the body

3. Difficulty making skilled movements

4. Inappropriate interpretation of sensations

The correct answer is: Difficulty making skilled movements

Apraxia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to perform purposeful movements despite having the desire and the physical ability to execute them. This impairment occurs due to damage to areas of the brain involved in planning and coordinating movements, typically the parietal or frontal lobes. In a patient with apraxia, the primary manifestation is difficulty making skilled movements. This may present as challenges in executing tasks that require coordination, such as buttoning a shirt or using utensils. The patient may understand the task and know what to do but frequently struggles to carry out the movements correctly. This highlights the cognitive aspect of motor control, where the brain's inability to formulate a plan for movement leads to the observed difficulties. Other options represent different neurological deficits and conditions. Severe tremor is more indicative of movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, neglect of the affected side of the body typically pertains to hemispatial neglect often seen after a stroke, and inappropriate interpretation of sensations relates to sensory processing disorders. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics that differ from those exhibited in apraxia, thus emphasizing why the correct answer focuses on the specific motor planning difficulties associated with apraxia.