Module 07: Neuromuscular Assessment (Part 02) Flashcards
How should the nurse perform the Musculo-skeletal examination?
(1) Inspection of muscles, joints, and skin changes
(a) Symmetry
(b) Change in size and shape
(2) Palpate joints, bony prominences, muscles for mass, sensation of pain and tenderness
(3) Feel skin for changes in temperature
What are the normal findings as per inspection during the musculoskeletal examination?
Symmetrical, non-tender, size of muscles and bones equal on lt and rt extremities
What are the abnormal findings as per inspection during the musculoskeletal examination?
(A) Deformity
(B) Atrophy
(C) Contraction
(D) Swelling
(E) Crepitation
(F) Pain and tenderness
(G) Asymmetry/unequal size
How should the nurse perform the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the upper extremities?
(1) Instruct patient to resist your hand during flexion and extension of extremities
(2) Rate the strength using the muscle power scale 5/5 for maximum strength
What are the three (3) positions of the patient when examining the range of motion (ROM) and strength of their upper extremities? Cite the positions along with the following instructions.
(1) Arms outstretched
(2) Arms flexed towards chest
(A) Perform flexion and extension procedures on all extremities as you apply resistance to each extremity
(B) Apply resistance on outstretched arms (superior and inferior) and with arms flexed one at a time. Grade strength 0-5.
(C) Stretch out hands straight
(D) Dorsiflex patient’s wrist with fingers extended
(E) Observe outstretched hands for “tremors” and asterixis
(3) Hand grip test (nurse with crossover hands)
What are the normal findings when assessing the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the upper extremities?
No tremors, muscle strength grade 5
Negative tremors
This condition is also known as the hepatic flap which is a classic sign of liver disease.
Asterixis
What are the abnormal findings when assessing the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the upper extremities?
Limited ROM with pain and crepitation Muscle strength 0 = paralysis + tremors, + asterixis
This scale is often used to probe into the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the upper extremities
MRC Muscle Power Scale
What composes the MRC Muscle Power Scale?
(0) No contraction
(1) Flicker or trace of contraction
(2) Active movement, with gravity eliminated
(3) Active movement against gravity
(4) Active movement against gravity and resistance
(5) Normal Power
How should the nurse perform the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the lower extremities?
Repeat procedure flexion and extension to the lower extremities with resistance:
(1) Knees
(2) Lower legs
(3) Feet: repeat flexion and extension assessment:
What positions should the patient do when assessing the full range of motion (ROM) or rotation of the lower extremities?
Instruct patient to rotate ankle:
(A) Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion
(B) Eversion-inversion of toes
(C) Abduction and adduction of the ankles
What are the normal findings when assessing the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the lower extremities?
(1) Full ROM
(2) Normal strength 5/5
What are the abnormal findings when assessing the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the lower extremities?
(1) Limited ROM with pain and crepitation
(2) Decreased strength below 3/5
What kind of assessment is being performed when assessing the dorsalis pedis pulse?
Vascular Assessment
How should the nurse assess the patient’s dorsalis pedis pulse?
(1) Locate dorsalis pedis using three (3) fingers on both Rt and Lt feet.
(2) Palpate dorsalis pedis pulses at the same time
(3) Compare strength of pulses from Rt and Lt foot
What are the normal findings when assessing the patient’s dorsalis pedis pulse?
(1) Bilateral pulses present; Strong and equal
What are the abnormal findings when assessing the patient’s dorsalis pedis pulse?
(1) Weak in one foot or Absent (ck popliteal)
How should the nurse assess the patient for visible signs of ankle edema?
Procedure:
(1) Press dorsal foot and ankle for 5 seconds; severe edema may require longer firm pressure
(2) Estimate depth of edema using the guide.
This usually performed with assessment of edema on the shin bone bilaterally.
Ankle Edema Assessment
This is a test of cerebellar
coordination; involvement or presence of hemispheric cerebellar lesion.
Heel to shin rub
How should the nurse assist the patient to perform the Heel to shin rub?
Procedure:
(1) Sitting or lying position
(2) Instruct patient to run heel down to opposite shin one at a time
(3) Repeat procedure on the opposite extremities
What are the normal findings as per the heel to shin rub?
Movement of legs smooth and straight
What are the abnormal findings as per the heel to shin rub?
Heel falls off the lower leg or inability to complete the movement.
Uncoordinated movements or tremors are usually seen among patients who have?
Cerebellar disease (dysdiadochokinesia)
This test is usually conducted for disease affecting the corticospinal tract, embolic or thrombotic stroke of the pyramidal tract and upper motor neuron lesion; ETOH intoxication and post seizure
Babinski Reflex:
How should the nurse assess or perform the Babinski Reflex?
Procedure is contraindicated on patient with injury and /or skin disease of the foot
(1) Use the sharp end of the Reflex Hammer.
(2) Start: stroke the sharp end of hammer at the
lower lateral side of the foot.
(3) Scrape upward curving medially
(4) End: under the big toe
(5) Observe movement of the toes
What are the normal findings when assessing or performing the Babinski Reflex among adults?
Plantar flexion (downward) of the toes in adults
What are the normal findings when assessing or performing the Babinski Reflex among infants?
Infants: dorsal flexion (upward of the toes or a
jerk of the legs upwards
What are the abnormal findings when assessing or performing the Babinski Reflex among adults?
Upward movement of the toes Retraction of the
affected foot (severe)
This is used to assess the integrity of the motor system and provides information of the upper and lower motor neurons,
Deep Tendon Reflexes (DTR’s)
This occurs when a component of the lower motor neurons or reflex arc is impaired. This may be seen with spinal cord injuries.
Hyporeflexia
This occurs when deep tendon reflexes (rated +4) is seen with lesions of the upper motor neurons and when the higher cortical levels are impaired.
Hyperactive (hyperreflexia)
This is known as the tendon above the olecranon.
Triceps
This is delineated to be located at the medial elbow joint.
Biceps
This is known as the tendon above the wrist.
Brachioradialis
This is known to be found below or inferior to the patella.
Patellar or knee Jerk
This is known to be found at the tendon above the calcaneus {heel).
Achilles or ankle jerk