Reflex Integrity Flashcards
Deep Tendon Reflex is also known as (2)
Myotatic Stretch Reflex or Muscle Stretch Reflex
What is the proper technique for a Deep Tendon Reflex? (3)
- Patient relaxed with limb well supported
- Muscle midway between shortest and longest lengths
- Strike tendon briskly and firmly
What does a 4+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?
very, very brisk response, usually associated with clonus
What does a 3+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?
very brisk response, stronger than normal
What does a 2+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?
normal response
What does a 1+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?
suppressed or dampened response
What does a 0 grade mean for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
no reponse
If a patient has a very, very brisk response that is usually associated with clonus, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
4+
If a patient has no response, what grade would this be a for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
0
If a patient has a very brisk response, stronger than normal, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
3+
If a patient has a normal response, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
2+
If a patient has a suppressed or dampened response, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?
1+
How would you record if Jendrassik method was used and the patient looked normal on right and left?
2+/2+ R
What innervation is a Biceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?
C5
- Biceps Tendon (cubital fossa over thumbnail)
- Elbow Flexion
What innervation is Brachioradialis reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?
C6
- Brachioradialis tendon (proximal to radial styloid)
- Elbow Flexion
What innervation is Triceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?
C7
- Triceps tendon (proximal to olecranon prococess)
- Elbow Extension
What innervation is Quadriceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?
L2-4
- Patellar Tendon (between patella and tibial tuberosity)
- Knee extension
What innervation is Triceps Surae reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?
L5-S1
- Tendo Achilles
- Ankle Plantarflexion
How must the patient be positioned before performing a Deep Tendon Reflex?
Patient relaxed with limb well supported. Muscle midway between shortest and longest lengths.
Before beginning a Deep Tendon Reflex test, what do you want to do first?
explain purpose of test to patient
How would you describe the purpose of the Deep Tendon Reflex test to a patient?
You have reflexes in your body that are controlled by specific nerves. By testing these reflexes on specific parts of your body, I can assess these specific nerves and systems. I want you to try and relax as much as possible for me. Okay?
What are reinforcement techniques and what are they for LE and UE?
Techniques to help the patient relax. Tell patient to perform maneuver just before striking tendon.
LE - Jendrassik maneuver: patient interlocks fingers and tries to pull them apart
UE - Squeeze knees together or make fist with opposite hand.
