In a patient with Parkinson disease, reduced facial movement is described as which finding?

Prepare for the Primary Clinical Skills exam on mental status. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations to ensure you're exam-ready. Empower your success today!

Multiple Choice

In a patient with Parkinson disease, reduced facial movement is described as which finding?

Explanation:
Parkinson disease often causes hypomimia, a marked reduction in spontaneous facial movement and expression. This produces a mask-like face called masked facies, because the facial muscles are bradykinetic and blinking is reduced, making the face appear unusually still even when the person is engaged or thinking. This is a motor feature, not an emotional state, which is why it differs from blunted or flat affect that describe diminished emotional responsiveness. Grooming and hygiene concern self-care abilities and don’t describe facial movement.

Parkinson disease often causes hypomimia, a marked reduction in spontaneous facial movement and expression. This produces a mask-like face called masked facies, because the facial muscles are bradykinetic and blinking is reduced, making the face appear unusually still even when the person is engaged or thinking. This is a motor feature, not an emotional state, which is why it differs from blunted or flat affect that describe diminished emotional responsiveness. Grooming and hygiene concern self-care abilities and don’t describe facial movement.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy