To correctly determine the strength of a patient's lower extremities during a neurological examination, the nurse asks the patient to:

A. Pushing the soles of the feet against the nurse's hands is a standard test to assess the strength of the lower extremities. It provides a clear indication of muscular strength and motor function.
B. Wiggling toes helps assess for sensation but does not evaluate overall strength or motor function in the lower extremities.
C. Pulling both feet up to stretch the Achilles tendons is not an appropriate method for assessing lower extremity strength.
D. Standing independently does not evaluate strength comprehensively and is more related to balance and coordination.

A. Rinsing the thermometer with water is not necessary to ensure an accurate reading. The thermometer should be cleaned after use but rinsing with water does not directly ensure accuracy.
B. Using a dry cotton ball to dry the thermometer is unnecessary and could leave fibers on the device that may interfere with reading accuracy.
C. Wiping the thermometer with alcohol helps sanitize it but does not directly influence the accuracy of the reading.
D. Shaking down the galinstan alloy to below normal is necessary to reset the thermometer before use, ensuring that the mercury level is accurate when taking a new temperature.