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    ATI Mental & Med Surg proctored Exam

    Which clinical manifestation would be required to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson disease?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Rigidity alone is insufficient for a Parkinson disease diagnosis. While rigidity, due to dopamine depletion in the basal ganglia, is a core symptom, diagnostic criteria require additional features like bradykinesia or rest tremors. Rigidity can occur in other conditions, making it non-specific without accompanying symptoms. Choice B reason: Bradykinesia alone, characterized by slow movement from basal ganglia dysfunction, is a key Parkinson disease feature but insufficient for diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria typically require bradykinesia plus rest tremor or rigidity to confirm PD, as bradykinesia can also occur in other neurological disorders. Choice C reason: Tremors at rest and bradykinesia are cardinal features of Parkinson disease, resulting from dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. Rest tremors, typically unilateral, and slowed movements are diagnostic hallmarks, often accompanied by rigidity or postural instability, making this combination critical for confirming PD. Choice D reason: Tremor at rest with flaccidity is not consistent with Parkinson disease. PD involves rigidity, not flaccidity, due to increased muscle tone from basal ganglia dysfunction. Flaccidity suggests other conditions, like lower motor neuron disorders, making this choice incorrect for PD diagnosis.

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