The nurse is assessing the neurologic status of a patient who has a late-stage brain tumor.With the reflex hammer,the nurse draws a light stroke up the lateral side of the sole of the foot and inward,across the ball of the foot.In response,the patient's toes fan out,and the big toe shows dorsiflexion.The nurse recognizes this as which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of all toes is a positive Babinski's sign,also called "upgoing toes." This occurs with upper motor neuron disease of the corticospinal (or pyramidal)tract and is an abnormal finding for adults.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Neurologic Status of a Patient