A nurse is assessing client with a diagnosis of Huntington's disease (HD) in the later stages. The client has severe cognitive defects. In this case, the nurse will also likely find which classic symptom?

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of neurons in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. While cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms are prominent, the most recognizable hallmark of the disease is the presence of involuntary, jerky movements known as chorea. Rationale: A. Blindness is not a clinical feature of Huntington's disease. While HD can cause abnormalities in saccadic eye movements, the ability to move eyes quickly between targets, it does not lead to the loss of visual acuity or the destruction of the optic nerve. B. Ataxia refers to a lack of muscle coordination and a drunken gait, commonly associated with cerebellar disorders or multiple sclerosis. While a client with HD will have a disturbed gait, the primary cause is the interference of involuntary movements rather than the specific lack of coordination seen in ataxia. C. Memory loss is a component of the dementia seen in HD, but it is not the classic motor symptom that defines the clinical presentation in the way chorea does. HD-related cognitive decline often starts with executive dysfunction (planning and organizing) rather than the simple short-term memory loss typical of early Alzheimer's. D. Choreiform movements (chorea) are the classic sign of Huntington's disease. These are involuntary, irregular, unpredictable, and dance-like movements that typically begin in the face and extremities. As the disease reaches the later stages, these movements can become severe and exhaustive, significantly impacting the client's ability to eat, speak, and remain safe.