Final answer:
To rule out the cause of increased reflexes and muscle weakness, various tests may be ordered, including muscle strength testing, reflex response testing, and deep tendon reflex tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
To rule out the cause of the increased reflexes and muscle weakness in the patient, various tests may be ordered. These tests can help diagnose the problem and differentiate between upper and lower motor neuron damage. Some of the tests that may be ordered include:
- Testing muscle strength by having the patient contract muscles against resistance.
- Checking reflex response to a release in resistance to assess muscular contractions.
- Performing deep tendon reflex tests by stimulating tendons with a rubber mallet.
These tests can provide valuable information to determine the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms and guide further treatment.