North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What term describes a lack of muscle coordination?

1. Hemiparesis

2. Ataxia

3. Aphasia

4. Apraxia

The correct answer is: Ataxia

The term that describes a lack of muscle coordination is ataxia. This condition is characterized by unsteady movements and a lack of control over muscle actions, which can result from various neurological disorders affecting the cerebellum or other parts of the brain. Individuals with ataxia may experience difficulties with balance, fine motor skills, and coordination during physical activities. This aligns with the definition of ataxia, as it specifically pertains to the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements effectively. In contrast, hemiparesis refers to weakness on one side of the body, which does not directly address coordination. Aphasia is a language disorder affecting communication, and apraxia involves difficulty with motor planning to perform tasks or movements when asked, despite having the desire and physical ability to perform them. Each of these terms describes distinct conditions, making ataxia the appropriate choice for a lack of muscle coordination.