National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient with unilateral weakness is most likely to have difficulty achieving which of the following functions?

1. Balance

2. Coordination

3. Fine motor skills

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A patient with unilateral weakness can indeed face challenges in multiple functional areas, making it reasonable to conclude that they would likely struggle with balance, coordination, and fine motor skills. Balance is affected because weakness on one side of the body can disrupt the body's ability to maintain stability. The nervous system relies on both sides of the body to ensure equilibrium, and unilateral weakness diminishes this ability, leading to an increased risk of falls and difficulty engaging in activities that require maintaining an upright position. Coordination is another area that can be significantly impacted. Proper coordination often involves the integration of movements from both sides of the body. With weakness on one side, the patient may struggle to perform activities that require synchronizing movements between both sides, such as walking or reaching for an object. Fine motor skills involve precise movements, generally requiring the involvement of small muscles, often in the hands and fingers. Unilateral weakness can impair a patient's ability to carry out tasks that require dexterity and precision, such as buttoning a shirt or writing, as these tasks typically rely on the functional strength and coordination of both hands. Given the interconnectedness of these functions, a person with unilateral weakness can be expected to experience difficulties in all three areas. Therefore, the comprehensive impact of unilateral weakness