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: Epidemiology interprets legislation in the community is not a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is not directly involved in interpreting legislation, but rather in providing evidence and recommendations that can inform policy-making and law-making.

Choice B reason: Epidemiology relates to the health status of a population is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology is the study of how diseases and other health-related factors are distributed and determined in populations. It helps the community health nurse to identify and monitor health problems, trends, and disparities in different groups and areas.

Choice C reason: Epidemiology analyzes and examines the root causes of health outcomes is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology uses various methods and tools to investigate and explain the causes and consequences of diseases and other health-related events. It helps the community health nurse to understand and address the complex and multifactorial factors that influence health, such as biological, environmental, social, behavioral, and economic factors.

Choice D reason: Epidemiology evaluates the effectiveness of nursing interventions is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology applies scientific principles and rigorous designs to assess and compare the outcomes and impacts of different interventions and programs on health. It helps the community health nurse to plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices and policies that can improve health and quality of life.

Choice E reason: Epidemiology defines the burden of disease and determinants of health is a statement that indicates the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse. Epidemiology measures and compares the frequency, severity, and impact of diseases and other health-related conditions on populations. It helps the community health nurse to prioritize and allocate resources, as well as to advocate for health equity and social justice.

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.