Clonus.....what Is This Test For??

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 1, 2006

OMG, didn't they get you to buy a textbook? Or try an internet search, you should be able to find out in seconds.

pie123 · Feb 1, 2006

OMG, didn't they get you to buy a textbook? Or try an internet search, you should be able to find out in seconds.

Sorry, but I thought the same thing. But who am I, people probably think the same when they read my posts about my job: "Can't she just do SOMETHING rather than getting on here and talking about her job?" :roll

mandana · Feb 1, 2006

Just started my L&D rotation, so...

It's important in Mom because it can be indicative of preeclampsia/eclampsia

In others, it's indicative of a CNS problem - and that's as specific as I can get. It gets pretty crazy with what spinal nerve you're testing, etc.

Amanda

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 1, 2006

What spinal nerve you are testing with clonus? We're talking someone's foot here right?

(I don't think she's actually looked in her book yet)

prmenrs, RN · Feb 1, 2006

My son is s/p Intraventricular Hemorrhage, had CP and a VP shunt. During a follow-up Neurosurg exam, the doc tested that. My son says: "that makes my toes jump!" CAT scan showed increased dilatation of his ventricles--->shunt revision.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 1, 2006

Great input, prmenrs!

mandana · Feb 1, 2006

What spinal nerve you are testing with clonus? We're talking someone's foot here right?
(I don't think she's actually looked in her book yet)

Well, you can test for clonus in various body parts - wrist, ankle, knee. Since I don't know where the OP was testing, I don't know. But the deep tendon reflex that is being tested originates in the spinal column and sustained clonus often indicates damage to the tracts above the origin of that impulse. Whew.

Neuro is NOT my bag.

Amanda

RNnL&D · Feb 1, 2006

Nursing student here.......just checked Clonus on a patient today.
This, from what I understand, is a test for hyperreflexia right???
Two patients today were positive but heard that it's pretty rare.
What does this indicate??
Thanks in advance.
Chris
P.S. Also, why are DTR(deep tendon reflexes) important when assessing mom??

In the OB pt, you are assessing for hyperreflexia (DTR's) to determine neuromuscular involvement. Clonus is a sign of neuromuscular irritability generally indicative or worsening preeclampsia. Which is why it is important to check DTR's on all pregnant and postpartum pts, and extra important on pts presenting with other symptoms of preeclampsia.

RaeT,RN · Feb 2, 2006

Please remember what your first day in your OB nursing rotation was like and how different it was. . .

There's no need to be condescending.

Preeclampsia is a difficult, complicated (no pun intended) issue.

pie123 · Feb 2, 2006

Please remember what your first day in your OB nursing rotation was like and how different it was. . .
There's no need to be condescending.
Preeclampsia is a difficult, complicated (no pun intended) issue.

You are right. I laughed at one of the responses here, and for that, I apologize. I am a new grad recently off orientation. I remember the other day when I asked another nurse a question, and her response was rude. I remember how that made me feel. Sorry.

RaeT,RN · Feb 2, 2006

You are right. I laughed at one of the responses here, and for that, I apologize. I am a new grad recently off orientation. I remember the other day when I asked another nurse a question, and her response was rude. I remember how that made me feel. Sorry.

We've had students in clinical on our unit the last couple weeks, and it just brought everything back for me. I remember being stuck up against the wall and just hoping to see what I could see in my 2 short days in L&D. I involve my students in caring for my pt's (and I'm learning with them - new grad as well.) I just remember being like "A Grabba-what??? I'm never gonna remember all of this !!!!"