RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1637 of 2368

The nurse taps a client's patellar tendon and sees no response. What should the nurse do before documenting an absent reflex?

  1. Document the reflex as 4+
  2. Help the client relax and repeat the test
  3. Notify the provider of paralysis right away
  4. Tap the tendon harder with a pen
Show answer

Correct answer: Help the client relax and repeat the test

Voluntary muscle tensing can block a reflex. The test should be repeated after the client relaxes.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Neurological Assessment: ASSESSING REFLEXES. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026