Reflex Integrity

Question 1

Deep Tendon Reflex is also known as (2)

Answer 1

Myotatic Stretch Reflex or Muscle Stretch Reflex

Question 2

What is the proper technique for a Deep Tendon Reflex? (3)

Answer 2

1. Patient relaxed with limb well supported
2. Muscle midway between shortest and longest lengths
3. Strike tendon briskly and firmly

Question 3

What does a 4+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 3

very, very brisk response, usually associated with clonus

Question 4

What does a 3+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 4

very brisk response, stronger than normal

Question 5

What does a 2+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 5

normal response

Question 6

What does a 1+ grade mean for Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 6

suppressed or dampened response

Question 7

What does a 0 grade mean for a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 7

no reponse

Question 8

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?

Answer 8

4+

Question 9

If a patient has no response, what grade would this be a for a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 9

0

Question 10

If a patient has a very brisk response, stronger than normal, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 10

3+

Question 11

If a patient has a normal response, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 11

2+

Question 12

If a patient has a suppressed or dampened response, what grade would this be for a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 12

1+

Question 13

How would you record if Jendrassik method was used and the patient looked normal on right and left?

Answer 13

2+/2+ R

Question 14

What innervation is a Biceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?

Answer 14

C5

• Biceps Tendon (cubital fossa over thumbnail)
• Elbow Flexion

Question 15

What innervation is Brachioradialis reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?

Answer 15

C6

• Brachioradialis tendon (proximal to radial styloid)
• Elbow Flexion

Question 16

What innervation is Triceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?

Answer 16

C7

• Triceps tendon (proximal to olecranon prococess)
• Elbow Extension

Question 17

What innervation is Quadriceps reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?

Answer 17

L2-4

• Patellar Tendon (between patella and tibial tuberosity)
• Knee extension

Question 18

What innervation is Triceps Surae reflex? What is the stimulation site? What is the response?

Answer 18

L5-S1

• Tendo Achilles
• Ankle Plantarflexion

Question 19

How must the patient be positioned before performing a Deep Tendon Reflex?

Answer 19

Patient relaxed with limb well supported. Muscle midway between shortest and longest lengths.

Question 20

Before beginning a Deep Tendon Reflex test, what do you want to do first?

Answer 20

explain purpose of test to patient

Question 21

How would you describe the purpose of the Deep Tendon Reflex test to a patient?

Answer 21

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?

Question 22

What are reinforcement techniques and what are they for LE and UE?

Answer 22

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.