Impaired physical mobility related to muscle rigidity is appropriate nursing diagnosis for ?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Medical Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.
This dopamine depletion results in cardinal motor symptoms, including muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and resting tremors.
Muscle rigidity, a key feature, involves increased resistance to passive movement throughout the range of motion, causing stiffness and difficulty with mobility.
Therefore, the nursing diagnosis 'Impaired physical mobility related to muscle rigidity' directly addresses a primary problem experienced by patients with Parkinson disease.

Option A: Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema. Mobility may be limited by swelling, but the underlying cause is not muscle rigidity.
Option C: Peptic ulcer disease involves sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. The primary patient problems are pain, risk for bleeding, and potential for perforation, not muscle rigidity.
Option D: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. Symptoms include pain with urination (dysuria), frequency, and urgency. It does not cause muscle rigidity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Application of Nursing Diagnosis to Specific Pathophysiology to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses are central to managing the mobility of patients with Parkinson's, focusing on safety, maintaining independence, and preventing complications like falls, contractures, and pressure injuries.
Interventions include administering medications on a strict schedule to maintain therapeutic dopamine levels, implementing fall precautions, and teaching adaptive techniques for activities of daily living (ADLs).
What if? If a patient with Parkinson's experiences a 'freezing' episode (a temporary, involuntary inability to move), the nurse should instruct them to try a 'trick' to restart movement, such as consciously lifting the foot as if stepping over an imaginary line, rocking from side to side, or listening to a rhythmic beat.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the nursing diagnosis provided in the question: The problem is 'Impaired physical mobility,' and the stated cause ('related to' factor) is 'muscle rigidity.'
Your task is to identify which of the given medical conditions has muscle rigidity as a primary, defining characteristic.
Review the pathophysiology of each option.
Parkinson disease is a classic neurological disorder where muscle rigidity is one of the three cardinal signs.
Nephrotic syndrome (kidney), peptic ulcer (GI), and UTI (urinary) are all conditions of other body systems where muscle rigidity is not a primary symptom.
Conclude that the nursing diagnosis is a perfect fit for Parkinson disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 144-146