motor and sensory

Question 1

how do you inspect and palpate muscles in motor system test?

Answer 1

• inspect muscle groups, comparing bilaterally, measuring asymmetries
• test strenth or extremities, neck, and trunk
• test tone by moving extremities through passive range of motion
• inspect for involuntary movements

Question 2

how do you test cerebellar function?

Answer 2

Balance Tests

• gait (observe pt walking 3-6 m)
• heel-to-toe or tandem walking
• romberg test
• shallow knee bend/hop

Coordination/Skilled Movements

• rapid alternating movement of hands on knees
• touch thumb to each finger on same hand
• finger-to-finger
• finger-to-nose
• heel-to-shin

Question 3

How do you assess the spinothalamic tract of the sensory system?

Answer 3

pain - use fractured wooden blade to apply light pressure using dull or sharp, having pt identify which end used

light touch - wisp of cotton brushed over skin in random pattern and irregular intervals, pt responds to stimuli by saying ‘now’

Question 4

how do you assess the posterior column tract of the sensory system?

Answer 4

vibration
position
tactile discrimination
-sterognosis
-graphaeshesia
-2 point discrimination
-extinction
-point location

Question 5

how are the reflexes tested and what are they testing?

Answer 5

bicps - c5 to c6 - strike your thumb on their bicep tendon

triceps - c7 to c8 - let arm go limp as you hold upper arm and strike triceps muscle

brachioradalis reflex - c5 to c6 - hold pt’s thumbs and strike abouve radial styloid process

quadriceps/patellar reflex - l2 to l4 - have pt dangle legs, strike below patella

achilles - l5 to s2 - strike achilles heel while holding foot at ball in your hand

abdominal reflexes t8 to t 12

plantar - l4 to s2

cremastic

Question 6

what are the stretch or deep tendon reflexes tested?

Answer 6

biceps
triceps
brachioradialis
quadriceps or patellar
achilles

Question 7

what are the superficial or cutaneous reflexes that can be tested?

Answer 7

abdominal reflexes
plantar reflexes
cremastic