The nurse notes that a client has ataxia. Which test does the nurse use to gain more information about this client's gait?

Choice A reason: Plantar flexion is the movement of the foot that points the toes downward. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for muscle strength and nerve function in the lower leg.

Choice B reason: Romberg is a test for balance and coordination that involves asking the client to stand with their feet together and arms at their sides, first with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed. If the client sways or falls when their eyes are closed, it indicates a problem with their proprioception, which is the sense of position and movement of the body. Ataxia is a condition that affects proprioception and causes impaired gait, so Romberg is an appropriate test for it.

Choice C reason: Achilles reflex is the contraction of the calf muscle when the Achilles tendon is tapped. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for spinal cord function and nerve damage in the lower leg.

Choice D reason: Patellar reflex is the extension of the lower leg when the patellar tendon is tapped. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for spinal cord function and nerve damage in the upper leg.

Choice A reason: Mitigation is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural or man-made hazards. Mitigation activities include implementing building codes, zoning ordinances, land use planning, and flood insurance programs. Mitigation is a continuous process that occurs before, during, and after a disaster.

Choice B reason: Security is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to protect the nation from threats or attacks by terrorists, criminals, or hostile states. Security activities include conducting intelligence operations, screening travelers and cargo, enforcing laws and regulations, and preventing cyberattacks. Security is a shared responsibility among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.

Choice C reason: Preparedness is the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to plan, organize, equip, train, and exercise to build and sustain the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk. Preparedness activities include developing emergency plans, conducting drills and exercises, educating the public, and establishing partnerships and coordination mechanisms. Preparedness is a continuous cycle of improvement that involves assessing needs, setting goals, implementing plans, and evaluating outcomes.

Choice D reason: The response phase is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to save lives, protect property and the environment, stabilize the situation, and meet basic human needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Response activities include activating emergency operations centers, deploying resources and personnel, providing mass care and sheltering, restoring critical infrastructure and services, and conducting search and rescue operations. Response is a short-term process that aims to restore normalcy as soon as possible.