Question

A nurse uses a dull object to stroke the lateral side of the underside of a client's left foot and moves upward to the great toe. What reflex is the nurse testing?

1

Moro
2

Babinski
3

Stepping
4

Cremasteric

Answer 1

The nurse is testing for the Babinski reflex, which involves dorsiflexion and splaying of the toes when the foot is stimulated. This reflex should not be present in healthy adults, as it can signify possible neurological issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is testing the Babinski reflex, which is part of a neurological exam to assess the function of the lower motor neurons (LMN) and corticospinal tract. To elicit this reflex, a dull object is stroked along the lateral side of the sole of the foot and upward towards the great toe. A normal response in adults would be the curling of the toes, whereas the Babinski sign is characterized by dorsiflexion of the foot with extension and splaying of the toes. This reflex is commonly seen in newborns but should disappear with age; its presence in adults can be indicative of neurological problems.