A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses or activities is termed as?

RML Lucknow - 2021

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RML Lucknow - 2021

Explanation

The term 'Disability' specifically refers to a functional limitation or a restriction in performing an activity that is considered normal for a person.
The question's description of a condition that 'limits a person's movements, senses or activities' is the direct definition of disability according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
It represents the consequences of an impairment at the individual level, such as difficulty with walking, seeing, hearing, or performing self-care tasks.

Option A: A 'Handicap' is not the limitation of activity itself, but the social or environmental disadvantage that results from an impairment or disability.
Option C: An 'Impairment' is the problem at the level of the body organ or structure, such as a missing limb or damaged nerve. It is the cause of the disability, not the activity limitation itself.
Option D: 'Retardation' is an obsolete and offensive term. The professionally accepted and respectful term is 'Intellectual Disability'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Impairment, Disability, and Handicap (WHO-ICF Model) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must use precise and respectful language. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental to person-centered care and avoiding stigmatizing labels.
This framework is essential for holistic nursing assessment. A nurse assesses the impairment (e.g., muscle weakness), the disability (e.g., difficulty ambulating), and the handicap (e.g., social isolation) to create a comprehensive care plan.
Care planning involves addressing all three levels: medical interventions for the impairment, rehabilitation and assistive devices for the disability, and social or vocational support to overcome the handicap.

How to Approach the Question

This is a definition-based recall question that tests your knowledge of standard terminology from community health nursing.
First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: 'limits a person's movements, senses or activities'.
Recognize that this phrase describes a restriction in performing an action or function.
Recall the specific definitions from the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model.
Differentiate the three main terms: Impairment (problem with a body part), Disability (problem doing an activity), and Handicap (problem with a social role).
Match the question's description to the correct definition. The limitation of 'activities' directly corresponds to the definition of 'Disability'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Impairment, Disability, and Handicap (WHO-ICF Model)
Stem keywords: physical or mental condition, limits, movements, senses, activities
Lead-in keywords: termed as

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