Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What does the term apraxia refer to?

1. An inability to perform tasks despite normal muscle function

2. A loss of motor coordination

3. A type of memory loss

4. A decline in verbal communication skills

The correct answer is: An inability to perform tasks despite normal muscle function

Apraxia is indeed characterized by an inability to perform tasks or movements, despite having normal muscle function and the desire to carry out the action. This neurological condition arises from damage to the brain areas responsible for planning and executing movements, rather than from weakness, paralysis, or lack of comprehension. Individuals with apraxia may struggle to perform learned movements, such as brushing their teeth or tying their shoelaces, even though they understand the task and possess the physical ability to do it. The other choices reflect different conditions: loss of motor coordination pertains more to issues like ataxia; memory loss may refer to various types of amnesia; and declines in verbal communication skills align with aphasia. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and causes, distinguishing them from the motor planning challenges present in apraxia.