The nurse is assisting as a neurosurgeon examines a patient who has a positive Babinski reflex. What assessment finding would the nurse expect to observe?
a. The leg flexes when the patellar tendon is struck.
b. The leg extends when the patellar tendon is struck.
c. Toes curl downward when the sole of the foot is stroked.
d. The big toe extends when the sole of the foot is stroked.
ANS: D
Babinski reflex is tested by firmly stroking the sole of the foot. Normal response is flexion of the great toe. If the great toe extends and the other toes fan out, neurological dysfunction should be suspected if the patient is more than 6 months old.
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