When assisting a client with Parkinson disease to ambulate, which instruction would the nurse provide the client?

• A. Keep arms close to the center of gravity.
• B. Hesitate between steps.
• C. Avoid leaning forward.
• D. Rest when tremors are experienced.

Answer: (C)

Postural control and safe ambulation in Parkinson disease. This condition often causes a stooped trunk and a shuffling gait, which shifts the body's center of gravity forward and makes balance more easily lost. The best instruction is to avoid leaning forward and instead stand tall with the head up and the spine aligned. An upright posture keeps the center of gravity over the feet, improving stability and reducing the risk of a forward fall. Encouraging a natural arm swing and small, paced steps helps maintain rhythm and momentum for safer walking. Other cues that crowd the body or disrupt rhythm—like keeping the arms tight at the chest, hesitating between steps, or resting during tremors—don’t support stable ambulation in this condition.