Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What term describes when a client repeats the nurse's words in a parrot-like manner?

1. Echolalia

2. Palilalia

3. Logorrhea

4. Clang association

The correct answer is: Echolalia

Echolalia is the term used to describe the automatic repetition of words or phrases that a person hears, often in a parrot-like manner. This behavior is commonly observed in certain developmental, neurological, or psychiatric conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia. Echolalia can serve various functions for individuals, such as communication, expression of emotions, or a means for processing language. The other terms mentioned in the choices relate to different kinds of speech patterns or behaviors. Palilalia refers to the involuntary repetition of one's own words or phrases, which is not the same as repeating someone else's speech. Logorrhea describes excessive and often incoherent talking, while clang association involves speech that is driven by the sound of words rather than their meanings, typically evident in disordered speech. Thus, echolalia specifically addresses the phenomenon of repeating another person's words, making it the correct term in this scenario.