Which term describes impaired ability to coordinate movement?

• A. Aphasia
• B. Ataxia
• C. Dyspnea
• D. Hyperreflexia

Answer: (B)

Impaired ability to coordinate movement is called ataxia. This label points to cerebellar or brainstem problems that disrupt the smooth timing and precision of voluntary actions. When coordination is off, people may have an unsteady, staggering gait, trouble with rapid alternating movements, difficulty touching the finger to the nose accurately (dysmetria), and intention tremor that worsens as a movement approaches a target. The cerebellum normally ensures movements are smooth and well-timed, so its dysfunction produces these signs of clumsiness rather than a problem with strength or sensation.

Aphasia describes language impairment, not coordination. Dyspnea means difficulty breathing. Hyperreflexia refers to overly active reflexes, often associated with upper motor neuron lesions, and does not specifically capture impaired coordination. Thus, the term that best describes impaired movement coordination is ataxia.