A nurse holds the patient's relaxed left arm, with elbow flexed at a 90-degree angle, in one hand. The nurse palpates and then strikes the appropriate tendon just above the elbow with either end of the reflex hammer. What is the expected response for this deep tendon reflex?
A) Flexion of the left elbow
B) Pronation of the left forearm
C) Supination of the left arm
D) Extension of the left elbow

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Extension of the left elbow is the normal response of the triceps deep tendon reflex. Flexion of the left elbow would be a normal response for the biceps deep tendon reflex. Pronation of the left forearm would be a normal response for the brachioradialis deep tendon reflex. Supination of the left arm is not a response of any deep tendon reflex.

A Nurse Holds the Patient's Relaxed Left Arm, with Elbow