What Technique Does the Nurse Use to Test the Patellar

question 13

Multiple Choice

What technique does the nurse use to test the patellar deep tendon reflex?

• A) Using the end of the handle on the reflex hammer, the nurse strokes the lateral aspect of the sole of the patient's foot from heel to ball.
• B) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 90 degrees, while the nurse dorsiflexes the ankle and strikes the appropriate tendon on the foot with the flat end of the reflex hammer.
• C) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 45 degrees, while the nurse plantar flexes the ankle and strikes the appropriate tendon of the ankle with the pointed end of the reflex hammer.
• D) Ask the patient to flex one knee to 90 degrees, while the nurse strikes the appropriate tendon in the knee with the blunt end of the reflex hammer.