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

[InmyblooD]

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??

[Deirdre]

with checking DTR's in preclampsia, aren't we also checking for MgSo4 tox as they lose their reflexes as the mag level increases (to a toxic level)

[RNnL&D]

with checking DTR's in preclampsia, aren't we also checking for MgSo4 tox as they lose their reflexes as the mag level increases (to a toxic level)

Yes, if they are on Mag. If they have clonus, even on Mag, it isn't helping and they are still at risk for a seizure.

[meteorite36]

Very flippant and unhelpful comments here. I'm so glad you are all 'nurse of the year' candidates at your local community hospitals. New discoveries are being made regarding pre-eclampsia all the time, especially with regard to the advancement of ultrasound and the views being obtained of the placenta earlier on in pregnancy. The placenta has always been considered in the etiology of pre-elampsia and advancements in research are confirming this. Consider retained placental fragments if the symptoms are not resolving post delivery.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Please keep in mind this thread is several years old. Most everybody who posted here has long since moved on.