Question

The nurse is performing a neurologic assessment for a patient. When performing a palmar drift test, what is the nurse attempting to determine?

-Eye movements

-Pupillary reaction

-Strength of the legs

-Strength of the hands

Answer 1

The palmar drift test is used to determine the strength of the hands, which can indicate muscle weakness or motor system dysfunction, potentially due to an upper motor neuron lesion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing a palmar drift test, the nurse is attempting to determine the strength of the hands. This neurological test involves asking the patient to extend both arms in front of the body with the palms facing up, and keeping the eyes closed. If the patient's arm drifts downward or the palms turn towards pronation involuntarily, it may indicate muscle weakness or dysfunction in the motor system, which could be related to an upper motor neuron lesion.

Diseases that may result in such symptoms include cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), or a stroke. The palmar drift test is part of a broader neurological examination that may include testing for other functions, such as eye movements, pupillary reaction, and strength of the legs, to assess different components of the nervous system.