What technique does the nurse use to test the patellar deep tendon reflex?
A) Using the end of the handle on the reflex hammer, the nurse strokes the lateral aspect of the sole of the patient's foot from heel to ball.
B) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 90 degrees, while the nurse dorsiflexes the ankle and strikes the appropriate tendon on the foot with the flat end of the reflex hammer.
C) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 45 degrees, while the nurse plantar flexes the ankle and strikes the appropriate tendon of the ankle with the pointed end of the reflex hammer.
D) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 90 degrees, while the nurse strikes the appropriate tendon in the knee with the blunt end of the reflex hammer.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option D is the technique for testing the patella deep tendon reflex. Option A is the technique for testing plantar flex or the Babinski reflex. Option B is the technique for testing the Achilles deep tendon reflex. Option C is not a correct technique for testing any reflex.

What Technique Does the Nurse Use to Test the Patellar