Deep Tendon Reflex Testing

Question 1

Biceps Tendon Reflex

Answer 1

Spinal Level: C5-C6

Procedure: Place thumb over the biceps tendon at the elbow and strike the hammer through the thumb

Normal Response: Contraction of the Biceps Muscles; Flexion of the Elbow

Question 2

Brachioradialis Tendon

Answer 2

Spinal Level: C6

Procedure: Sitting with the forearm supported and in neutral; strike the radius one to two inches superior to the wrist

Normal Response: Contraction of the brachioradialis muscle; elbow flexion and or forearm supination

Question 3

Triceps Tendon

Answer 3

Spinal Level: C7

Procedure: Support the UE through the humerus and allow the lower portion to hand with elbow in flexion; strike the triceps tendon directly above the elbow

Normal Response: Contraction of the triceps muscle; elbow extension

Question 4

Patellar Tendon Reflex

Answer 4

Spinal Level: L2 - L4

Procedure: let that shit hang, strike the tendon directly inferior to the patella

Normal Response: Contraction of the Quadriceps, Knee extension

Question 5

Achilles Tendon Reflex

Answer 5

Spinal Level: S1-S2

Procedure: in sitting, flex the foot at the ankle putting the Achilles on stretch; strike the Achilles tendon above the foot

Normal Response: Plantar flexion of the foot

Question 6

The muscular stretch reflex can also be described by which of the following terms?

segmental reflex
multisegmental reflex
polysynaptic reflex
spasticity

Answer 6

Correct Answer: segmental reflex

A stretch reflex response is limited to the single muscle or synergistic group of muscles, therefore producing a localized, discrete force.

Question 7

Which is the correct pathway of a reflex when an adequate stimulus is introduced?

conductor, receptor, effector
receptor, effector, conductor
receptor, conductor, effector
effector, conductor, receptor

Answer 7

Correct Answer: receptor, conductor, effector

The basic structure of a reflex consists of a receptor, a conductor, and an effector. The receptor picks up a stimulus and sends it along a neurological pathway to the conductor. The conductor then sends a signal to an effector, such as a muscle.

Question 8

What is the name of the technique where a patient is asked to clasp their flexed fingers together and then attempt to pull them apart during lower extremity reflex testing?

Adson maneuver
Halstead maneuver
Jendrassik maneuver
Valsalva maneuver

Answer 8

The Jendrassik maneuver is a distracting maneuver designed to overcome the voluntary suppression of reflexes. The maneuver is performed by asking the patient to clasp their flexed fingers together and then attempt to pull them apart during lower extremity reflex testing.