In a client with stage 3 Parkinson's disease, which clinical manifestations are expected?

In stage 3 Parkinson's disease, postural instability becomes a significant feature. This stage is characterized by a moderate level of impairment in motor functioning, where clients begin to experience difficulties with balance and the ability to maintain posture. The loss of postural reflexes puts patients at risk for falls, which is a crucial element of care in managing Parkinson's disease.

While akinesia, or the inability to initiate movement, can also be present, it is more often observed in later stages, and the hallmark of stage 3 is the prominence of postural instability. The masklike face is a non-motor symptom that can develop earlier in the disease progression, and although gait disturbances are occurring, they are generally considered to have increased significantly in this stage but are a consequence of mobility issues rather than a defining characteristic. Thus, postural instability stands out as a defining manifestation in the context of stage 3 Parkinson’s disease.