Which term would the nurse use to document observing the characteristic gait associated with Parkinson disease?

• A. Ataxic
• B. Shuffling
• C. Scissoring
• D. Asymmetric

Answer: (B)

Shuffling gait is the best choice because it directly matches the typical walking pattern seen in Parkinson disease: small, rapid steps with little foot clearance and reduced arm swing, often with a stooped posture and difficulty initiating movement. This “festinating”, shuffling style reflects bradykinesia and rigidity that cause the feet to drag and the person to move forward in a cautious, shuffling manner.

The other terms describe different gait patterns. An ataxic gait is unsteady and wide-based due to cerebellar problems. Scissoring describes legs crossing or adducting together, common in certain spastic conditions like cerebral palsy. An asymmetric gait means one side is affected more than the other, which is not the characteristic single pattern used to document Parkinson disease gait.