In planning care for a home health client with Parkinson's disease, which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

In planning care for a home health client with Parkinson's disease, which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

• A. Impaired physical mobility related to muscle rigidity and weakness
• B. Risk for falls
• C. Acute confusion
• D. Readiness for enhanced knowledge

Answer: (A)

The most pressing focus is the current limitation in movement caused by Parkinson’s, because there is an actual problem with mobility stemming from muscle rigidity and weakness. When a patient can’t move well, everyday functions become compromised, and there’s a real risk of complications like contractures, deconditioning, and safety issues. Treating this active mobility impairment drives the plan of care, guiding interventions to preserve range of motion, support safe movement, and promote independence. Risk for falls is important, but it’s a risk diagnosis—it describes a potential problem rather than one that is currently manifested. Addressing the actual mobility limitation helps reduce fall risk as a downstream effect, while directly addressing the mobility issue ensures the client maintains function and quality of life. In practice, plan would include mobility-focused interventions such as assistive devices, safe transfer technique, ROM exercises, scheduled activity, and environmental modifications to support safe, ongoing movement.

The most pressing focus is the current limitation in movement caused by Parkinson’s, because there is an actual problem with mobility stemming from muscle rigidity and weakness. When a patient can’t move well, everyday functions become compromised, and there’s a real risk of complications like contractures, deconditioning, and safety issues. Treating this active mobility impairment drives the plan of care, guiding interventions to preserve range of motion, support safe movement, and promote independence.

Risk for falls is important, but it’s a risk diagnosis—it describes a potential problem rather than one that is currently manifested. Addressing the actual mobility limitation helps reduce fall risk as a downstream effect, while directly addressing the mobility issue ensures the client maintains function and quality of life. In practice, plan would include mobility-focused interventions such as assistive devices, safe transfer technique, ROM exercises, scheduled activity, and environmental modifications to support safe, ongoing movement.