The nurse notes that a client has ataxia. Which test does the nurse use to gain more information about this client's gait?
Plantar flexion
Romberg
Achilles reflex
Patellar reflex
The Correct Answer is B
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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Delivering a urine specimen to the laboratory is not a priority task, as it does not affect the client's immediate health or safety. This task can be done later or delegated to another staff member.
Choice B reason: Feeding a client who has bilateral casts is an important task, as it helps the client meet their nutritional needs and prevents complications such as pressure ulcers. However, this task is not as urgent as monitoring blood glucose levels, as it can be done within a reasonable time frame without causing harm to the client.
Choice C reason: Performing blood glucose monitoring of a client who has a prescription for short-acting insulin is a priority task, as it determines the dosage of insulin that the client needs to receive. Insulin is a high-alert medication that can cause serious adverse effects if given incorrectly. Therefore, this task should be done first by the AP who has been trained and certified to do so.
Choice D reason: Obtaining an extra box of tissues for a client who is concerned about running out of them is a low-priority task, as it does not affect the client's physical or psychological well-being. This task can be done at any time or delegated to another staff member.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Reviewing communicable disease statistics. This is incorrect because this is an example of descriptive epidemiology, not analytic epidemiology. Descriptive epidemiology describes the distribution and patterns of health events in populations, such as the frequency, location, and time of occurrence.
Choice B: Tracking locations where family violence is increasing. This is incorrect because this is also an example of descriptive epidemiology, not analytic epidemiology. Descriptive epidemiology tracks the trends and variations of health problems in different groups or areas.
Choice C: Describing population characteristics for healthy older citizens. This is incorrect because this is another example of descriptive epidemiology, not analytic epidemiology. Descriptive epidemiology provides information about the demographic and social factors that influence health outcomes.
Choice D: Identifying factors contributing to childhood obesity. This is correct because this is an example of analytic epidemiology. Analytic epidemiology investigates the causes and associations of health events in populations, such as the risk factors, exposures, or interventions that affect health outcomes. Analytic epidemiology often uses comparison groups to test hypotheses and draw conclusions.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
