A nurse is having difficulty eliciting a patellar reflex. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to have the client do?

Lock the fingers together and pull against each other.

Squeeze a thigh with the opposite hand.

Stretch the arms over the head.

Clench the jaw tightly

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This maneuver is intended to engage other muscle groups and increase overall muscle tone. It can help facilitate the patellar reflex by increasing muscle tension and sensitivity. This technique can enhance the reflex response by engaging the client in a physical action that might make the reflex more pronounced.
B.   Squeezing the thigh might create discomfort or involuntary muscle contraction, which could interfere with the reflex response. It is not a recommended technique for eliciting the patellar reflex and may not have a significant effect on reflex assessment.
C.   Stretching the arms over the head does not directly influence the patellar reflex. Reflexes are typically assessed in a relaxed state, and this action might not be relevant for improving the patellar reflex response.
D.   Clenching the jaw might increase overall muscle tone temporarily, but it does not directly impact the patellar reflex. This technique is less likely to influence the patellar reflex compared to techniques that engage lower body muscle groups.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) primarily controls sensation in the face and the muscles of mastication (chewing). While it is crucial for sensory input and motor control related to chewing, it does not directly control the movement of the tongue.
B. The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is responsible for controlling the movements of the tongue. A lesion of CN XII can cause the tongue to deviate towards the side of the weakness or damage. This is because the hypoglossal nerve innervates the muscles of the tongue, and damage to it results in weakness of the muscles on the affected side, causing the tongue to deviate towards that side when protruded.
C. The facial nerve (CN VII) controls the muscles of facial expression. While it affects facial movements and expressions, it does not control the movements of the tongue. A lesion in CN VII would typically result in facial asymmetry or weakness rather than tongue deviation.
D. The olfactory nerve (CN I) is responsible for the sense of smell. It does not have any role in controlling tongue movement. Therefore, a lesion in CN I would not cause deviation of the tongue.

A. Decorticate Rigidity B. Flaccid C. Decerebrate Rigidity D. Hemiplegia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Decorticate rigidity is characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. In this posture, the upper arms are flexed and held tightly to the sides, with the elbows, wrists, and fingers also flexed. The legs are extended and internally rotated.
B. Flaccid posture, or flaccidity, is characterized by a complete lack of muscle tone, which leads to a limp and lifeless appearance. There is no resistance to passive movement, and the muscles are weak or paralyzed.

C. Decerebrate rigidity is characterized by extension of both the arms and the legs. In this posture, the arms are extended at the sides with the wrists and fingers flexed, and the legs are extended and internally rotated. This type of rigidity indicates damage to the brainstem below the red nucleus.
D. Hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, which can result from brain injury or stroke affecting one hemisphere of the brain. The affected side will have limited or no movement and muscle tone.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is having difficulty eliciting a patellar reflex. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to have the client do?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing a physical examination on a patient. When the patient is asked to protrude his tongue, the nurse noticed a deviation from the midline to the right side. This is related to a lesion of:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

In the Neuro ICU, a comatose patient has this posture in bed: Upper arms are flexed tight to the sides with elbows, wrists, and fingers flexed. The legs are extended and internally rotated. The nurse interprets this posture as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When assessing cranial nerves IX and X, which of the following would the nurse consider as a normal finding?

A nurse is conducting a physical examination of the musculoskeletal system of a client who reports having joint pain. Which signs indicate there is inflammation in the joints? Select all that apply.

The nurse places a coin in the patient's hand, the patient is with eyes closed. The ability to identify an object by feeling it is defined as:

In the Neuro ICU (intensive care unit) while performing a neurological assessment of the patient the nurse noticed the patient: patient opens eyes, looks at you, responds slowly, and is somewhat confused. What level of consciousness (LOC) is this patient presenting?

Which of the following tests would be most appropriate for the nurse to use when assessing motor function of the trigeminal nerve?

A client is able to actively move the right arm against gravity. How should the nurse document this finding using the muscle strength grading?

A patient is diagnosed with Meningitis. During the physical examination in the supine position, the nurse flexed the patient's neck and the patient flexed his knees and hip while complaining of neck pain. This is known as:

During an assessment of the cranial nerves, a client reports spontaneously losing balance. The nurse should focus additional assessment on which cranial nerve?