Inability to carryout normal activities despite intact motor function is?

AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Explanation

Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to perform familiar, purposeful actions.
The defining feature, as stated in the question, is that this inability occurs despite having normal muscle strength and coordination ('intact motor function').
The issue lies in the brain's ability to plan and sequence the movements required for a task, not in the physical ability of the muscles to perform them.
For example, a person with apraxia might not be able to wave goodbye on command but has the arm strength and coordination to do so.

Option A: Anhedonia is a disorder of mood or affect, specifically the inability to experience pleasure. It does not involve motor planning or execution.
Option C: Apathy is a disorder of motivation, characterized by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. While it can lead to not carrying out activities, it's due to a lack of will, not an inability to perform the action when willing.
Option D: Amnesia is a disorder of memory. It involves the inability to recall past events or form new memories and has no direct link to the motor planning of learned activities.

Visual 1: Diagram - A flowchart showing the difference between ideomotor and ideational apraxia. It would start with a command (e.g., 'Use this key to unlock the door'), then branch to show the ideational error (not knowing what to do with the key) versus the ideomotor error (knowing what to do but being unable to execute the physical action correctly).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Neurological Deficits (Apraxia) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses caring for patients with apraxia (e.g., post-stroke) must adapt their communication and care strategies. Using simple, one-step commands and demonstrating actions can be more effective than verbal instructions alone.
Patient safety is a major concern. A patient with apraxia may be unable to use a call bell, walker, or utensils correctly, increasing the risk of falls, malnutrition, and other complications.
What if? If the patient had a similar inability to perform tasks but also had significant muscle weakness and tremors, the diagnosis would more likely be related to a motor system disorder (like Parkinson's disease or a cerebellar lesion) rather than apraxia.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the stem to identify the key components of the definition provided. The crucial phrases are 'inability to carryout normal activities' and 'despite intact motor function'.
The second phrase, 'despite intact motor function,' is the most important clue. It rules out conditions caused by weakness, paralysis, or coordination problems.
Next, define each of the options in your mind.
Anhedonia = inability to feel pleasure.
Apraxia = inability to perform purposeful movements despite normal motor function.
Apathy = lack of motivation or interest.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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