An older adult patient is admitted to the medical unit with speech disturbance and right-sided weakness. Sensory assessment is included in the neurologic evaluation. If pain sensation is intact, which other area is intact and need not be tested?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If pain sensation is intact, it implies that the spinothalamic tract is functioning properly. Since temperature sensation is also mediated by the spinothalamic tract, if pain sensation is intact, temperature sensation is also likely to be intact and need not be tested separately.

An Older Adult Patient Is Admitted to the Medical Unit