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



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Jan 31, 2006 10:01 PM

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


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??

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15 Comments
No. 1
from canoehead
Old Jan 31, 2006, 10:19 PM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
OMG, didn't they get you to buy a textbook? Or try an internet search, you should be able to find out in seconds.
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No. 2
from pie123
Old Jan 31, 2006, 10:58 PM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
Originally Posted by canoehead
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?"
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No. 3
from mandana
Old Jan 31, 2006, 11:01 PM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
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
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No. 4
from canoehead
Old Feb 01, 2006, 01:12 AM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
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)
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No. 5
from prmenrs
Old Feb 01, 2006, 01:20 AM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
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.
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No. 6
from SmilingBluEyes
Old Feb 01, 2006, 09:15 AM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
Great input, prmenrs!
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No. 7
from mandana
Old Feb 01, 2006, 09:17 AM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
Originally Posted by canoehead
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
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No. 8
from RNnL&D
Old Feb 01, 2006, 10:42 AM

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
Originally Posted by 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??
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.
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No. 9
from RaeT,RN
Old Feb 01, 2006, 09:26 PM
Updated Feb 01, 2006 at 09:29 PM by RaeT,RN

Default Re: Clonus.....what Is This Test For??
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.
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