How should a nurse document the characteristic gait of a client with Parkinson's disease?

In the context of Parkinson's disease, the characteristic gait is best described as a shuffling gait. Individuals with Parkinson's often exhibit a pattern of hesitant, small steps with decreased arm swing, resulting in a shuffling movement. This gait pattern can be attributed to the motor symptoms of the disease, which include rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). The shuffling gait is a hallmark of the condition, indicating difficulty in initiating movements and maintaining balance.

The other gait types mentioned do not accurately describe the typical movement patterns seen in Parkinson's disease. A normal gait would suggest no significant issues with movement, which is not the case for individuals with this condition. An antalgic gait usually arises in response to pain, leading the individual to favor one leg, while an ataxic gait is characterized by unsteady, uncoordinated movements typically associated with cerebellar dysfunction. Thus, when documenting the gait of a client with Parkinson's disease, "shuffling gait" is the most accurate and representative description.