title: Deep tendon reflexes: the what, why, where, and how of tapping.
abstract: Deep tendon reflexes demonstrate the homeostasis between the cerebral cortex and the spinal cord. When these reflexes are disrupted, hyperreflexia (disease induced) or hyporeflexia/areflexia (drug induced) occurs. Although nurses perform deep tendon reflex assessments regularly, it is difficult to incorporate theoretical principles in these assessments because of scant medical literature, a lack of nursing research, and time constraints in nursing programs. These conditions usually result in one-on-one training, causing reduced consistency. A comprehensive examination assists the clinician to apply theoretical principles, develop expert technique, and serve as a catalyst for clinical research.
authors.affiliation: Loma Linda University School of Nursing, CA 92350, USA. jnick@sn.llu.edu
authors.forename: Jan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Nick
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology*; D012026:Reflex, Stretch