In which manner will an adult patient respond the plantar reflex?
Extending the lower leg
Flexing the elbow
Extending the great toe
Flexing the toes
The Correct Answer is D
The plantar reflex is a superficial spinal reflex elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole. In a neurologically intact adult, the normal response is plantarflexion of the digits. An abnormal Babinski sign, characterized by dorsiflexion of the hallux, indicates upper motor neuron dysfunction or pyramidal tract lesions.
A. Extending the lower leg: This movement describes the patellar or "knee-jerk" reflex, which is a deep tendon reflex involving the L2 to L4 spinal segments. It is triggered by tapping the patellar tendon with a reflex hammer. It is not the physiological response associated with stimulating the plantar surface of the foot.
B. Flexing the elbow: Elbow flexion is the expected response when testing the biceps or brachioradialis reflexes. These assessments target the C5 and C6 nerve roots through percussion of the respective tendons. This upper extremity motor response is entirely unrelated to the cutaneous stimulation of the lower extremity's sole.
C. Extending the great toe: Extension (dorsiflexion) of the great toe, often accompanied by fanning of the other toes, is known as a positive Babinski sign. While this is a response to the plantar stimulus, it is considered pathological in adults. It suggests damage to the corticospinal tract rather than a healthy response.
D. Flexing the toes: The physiological and expected response in a healthy adult is the curling or flexing of the toes toward the sole of the foot. This indicates an intact reflex arc and the absence of central nervous system suppression issues. It is the correct description of a negative Babinski result.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The superficial temporal artery is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery that supplies the scalp and face. It is palpated anterior to the tragus of the ear to assess for pulse quality or signs of temporal arteritis. This vessel is easily accessible over the zygomatic arch.
A. Carotid: The carotid artery is located in the neck, medial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, rather than on the face. Palpation of the carotid pulse provides information on central hemodynamics. It is an extra-facial vessel assessed during the cardiovascular exam.
B. Brachial: This artery is located in the upper arm and is primarily palpated in the antecubital fossa for blood pressure measurement. It is the major blood vessel of the upper limb. It has no anatomical presence on the human face.
C. Temporal: The superficial temporal artery is located on the lateral aspect of the face, specifically the temple area. It is the only artery in the provided choices that is routinely palpated directly on the facial structure. It is the correct anatomical answer.
D. Parotid: The parotid is a major salivary gland located in the preauricular area, not an artery. While it is located on the face, it is assessed for swelling or tenderness, not for a pulse. It is an exocrine structure, not vascular.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Phalen's test assesses for median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel. Sustained hyperflexion increases interstitial pressure, eliciting paresthesia or hypoesthesia in the lateral 3.5 digits. This clinical diagnostic tool identifies carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from tenosynovitis or anatomical narrowing.
A. Tinel's sign: Percussion of the volar carpal ligament elicits distal tingling or electric shock sensations in the median nerve distribution. This maneuver identifies nerve irritability rather than compression from sustained flexion. It serves as a secondary clinical indicator for focal entrapment.
B. Allen test: This vascular assessment evaluates the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries supplying the palmar arch. Compression and release of these vessels demonstrate collateral circulation through skin reperfusion. It is not used for neurological or sensorimotor nerve entrapment.
C. Finkelstein test: Passive ulnar deviation of the wrist with the thumb flexed into the palm identifies de Quervain tenosynovitis. This maneuver stretches the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. It focuses on stenosing tenosynovitis rather than carpal nerve compression.
D. Phalen's test: Maintaining 90 degree wrist flexion for 60 seconds mechanically constricts the carpal tunnel. The resulting ischemia triggers tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. This positive finding specifically correlates with the entrapment of the median nerve described.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.