A patient has a compression fracture of the cervical spine at C7 to C8 that is impairing deep tendon reflexes. Which response will the nurse expect from the affected deep tendon reflex?
A) Diminished to absent pronation of the arm
B) Diminished to absent flexion of the elbow
C) Diminished to absent extension of the elbow
D) Diminished to absent adduction of the upper arm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diminished to absent extension of the elbow is an abnormal response from the triceps deep tendon reflex that is innervated from C6, C7, and C8. Diminished to absent pronation of the arm is an abnormal response from the brachioradial deep tendon reflex that is innervated from C5 to C6. Diminished to absent flexion of the elbow is an abnormal response from the biceps deep tendon reflex that is innervated from C5 to C6. Diminished to absent adduction of the upper arm is not a response of any deep tendon reflex.

A Patient Has a Compression Fracture of the Cervical Spine