STRENGHT AND TONE Flashcards
Q: How can you test upper limb power using resistance?
A: Place your hands on the patient’s shoulders and ask them to try to raise them against your resistance. Repeat the process with your hand on one cheek at a time. The final step is by holding the patient’s wrists and asking them to rotate them.
Q: What is the purpose of the knee-jerk reflex test?
A: The knee-jerk reflex test is used to assess the function of the nerves conducting to and from the quadriceps muscle. It’s a way to test for potential nerve damage or disease.
Q: How is the knee-jerk reflex test conducted?
A: Remove the weight from the patient’s lower limb by either supporting it or asking the patient to hang their legs over the side of the bed. Tap the patellar tendon with the tendon hammer. If a reflex appears absent, ensure the patient is fully relaxed and then perform a reinforcement manoeuvre.
Q: How can you assess for pin-prick sensation in a patient’s lower limbs?
A: Using the pointed end of a tendon hammer, drag the point along the sole of the foot. This tests for the integrity of pain sensation and peripheral nerve function in the foot.
Q: How do you test for vibration sensation in a neurological assessment?
A: Tap a 128 Hz tuning fork and place it onto the patient’s big toe. Ask the patient if they can feel the vibration. This tests the integrity of vibration sensation and can be used to detect peripheral neuropathy.
