A patient has a herniated disk compressing the lumbar spine at L2, L3, and L4 that is impairing deep tendon reflexes. Which response does a nurse expect from this patient?
A) Diminished contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle with plantar flexion of the foot
B) Diminished contraction of the quadriceps muscle with extension of the lower leg
C) Diminished plantar flexion of the toes
D) Diminished dorsiflexion of the foot and flexion of the toes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option B is an abnormal response from the patellar deep tendon reflex that is innervated from L2, L3, and L4. Option A is an abnormal response from the Achilles tendon reflex that is innervated from S1 and S2. Option C is an abnormal response from the plantar reflex or a positive Babinski sign. Option D is an abnormal response of ankle clonus.

A Patient Has a Herniated Disk Compressing the Lumbar Spine