Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Dysarthria is characterized by:

1. Rapid speech

2. Slurred or thick-tongued speech

3. Inability to write

4. Difficulty understanding language

The correct answer is: Slurred or thick-tongued speech

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury that affects the muscles used for speaking. This condition is marked by slurred or thick-tongued speech, which occurs because the individual has difficulty controlling the movements of the lips, tongue, and vocal cords. The articulation and clarity of speech are compromised, leading to a speech that may sound unclear or mumbled. Understanding dysarthria's impact is essential for recognizing its effects on communication. It distinguishes itself from other speech and language disorders because it specifically involves the physical act of speaking rather than issues with language comprehension or the ability to write. While rapid speech and slurred speech may be confused, in dysarthria, the primary concern is that the speech produced doesn't articulate words clearly, rather than the speed of speech itself.