The nursing is caring for a comatose patient with a brain tumor.When the nurse touches the palm of the patient's hand,the patient grasps the nurse's hand.What is this sign indicative of?
A) There is damage to the brainstem.
B) It's a normal finding.
C) The patient is getting better.
D) Cortical damage is present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The grasp reflex is present when tactile stimulation of the palm of the hand produces a grasp response that is not a conscious voluntary act.The grasp reflex is a primitive reflex that normally disappears with maturational development; thus,the presence of the grasp reflex in the adult indicates cortical damage.

The Nursing Is Caring for a Comatose Patient with a Brain