Neuro exams; Extra notes

Question 1

How should you assess the power of finger flexion

Answer 1

Squeeze hand- try to overcome it in patient

Do not ask patient to squeeze 2 fingers, as this cannot be opposed and you thus cannot accurately assess power.

Question 2

Where should the patient rest their forearm when assessing the brachioradialis reflex

Answer 2

On their abdomen or lap

Question 3

What is meant by a clonus

Answer 3

Clonus is a type of neurological condition that creates involuntary muscle contractions. This results in uncontrollable, rhythmic, shaking movements.

Question 4

Describe the tendon reflex grading scale

Answer 4

0- Absent
1+ or + - hypotonia
2+ or ++ - normal
3+ or +++ - hyperactive without clonus
4+ or ++++- hyperactive with clonus

Question 5

What should you do if the patient is hyper-reflexic

Answer 5

Consider eliciting finger jerks.
With the patient’s arm pronated and fingers flexed, support their flexed fingers with your right hand and strike the back of your own fingers