108k views
4 votes
If during an exam, Tina told you that her feet occasionally felt "numb," what assessment would you do?

User SKINDER
by
7.2k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

A neurologist would likely perform sensory testing on Tina, including the tip-of-the-pen touch test and reflex assessments such as the plantar reflex for the Babinski sign. These tests would help identify potential issues with sensory pathways in the nervous system.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a student like Tina reported that her feet occasionally felt 'numb,' the kind of assessment that a neurologist would perform is sensory testing. During the neurological exam, sensory functions can be evaluated by various methods. For example, a doctor can conduct the tip-of-the-pen touch test, where the patient must indicate when they feel the tip of a pen touch different parts of their body, such as arms, legs, fingers, and face.

Furthermore, to test for reflexes, the Babinski sign is often assessed using the plantar reflex, which can reveal neuromuscular function and potential issues with sensory nervous system pathways. Other subtests, such as walking in different patterns like tandem gait, can also provide insight into balance and coordination, which are influenced by sensory input.

User AlishahNovin
by
8.1k points