The nurse asks a patient who has suffered a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) to complete the heel-to-shin test. What is the nurse testing for with this technique?
1. ataxia
2. graphesthesia
3. coordination
4. spasticity
Correct Answer: 3
The heel-to-shin test requires the patient to run each heel down each shin, while in a supine position. This technique tests the patient's coordination. Ataxia is the inability to walk or difficulty walking. Graphesthesia is the ability to discriminate a number traced on the palm. Spasticity is an increase in muscle tone associated with disease of the corticospinal motor tract and is not tested with the heel-to-shin technique.
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