A client who has Parkinson's Disease is experiencing bradykinesia. Which finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors at rest
• B. Slurred speech
• C. Hyperactivity
• D. Weight fluctuations

Answer: (C)

Bradykinesia means slowed initiation and execution of movements, a hallmark of Parkinson’s. This motor slowing often comes with a resting tremor—the classic pill-rolling tremor that occurs when the muscles are at rest and may lessen with purposeful movement. So, alongside bradykinesia, a nurse would commonly observe tremors at rest as a characteristic finding.

Hyperactivity doesn’t fit Parkinson’s motor picture, which is defined by slowed and reduced movement. Weight fluctuations can occur for various reasons but are not direct features of bradykinesia. Slurred speech can occur due to reduced coordination of facial and speech muscles (hypokinetic dysarthria), but the most typical accompanying sign to bradykinesia is a resting tremor.