See the following image and identify this?& x20; - AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2017

Explanation

The image displays the classic signs of a positive Babinski reflex, which is an abnormal plantar response in adults.
The stimulus involves stroking the lateral sole of the foot, leading to the response of dorsiflexion (upward movement) of the great toe and fanning (abduction) of the other toes.
This specific response is named the 'Positive Babinski reflex' and is a more precise description than simply 'Abnormal plantar reflex'.
In adults, this sign indicates a lesion in the upper motor neurons, specifically the corticospinal tract.

Option A: A normal plantar reflex in an adult involves the toes curling downward (plantar flexion), which is the opposite of what is shown in the image.
Option B: While a positive Babinski reflex is indeed an abnormal plantar reflex, 'Positive Babinski reflex' is the more specific and clinically precise term for the signs depicted. In medical questions, the most specific correct answer is preferred.
Option D: A negative Babinski reflex is the term for a normal plantar response, where the toes curl downward. The image clearly shows an upward-going toe.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The concept tested is the identification and interpretation of the plantar reflex, specifically the Babinski sign, as part of a neurological assessment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses perform neurological assessments to detect changes in a patient's condition. Identifying a new-onset positive Babinski sign is a critical finding that must be reported to the physician immediately as it can indicate acute neurological deterioration, such as from a stroke.
This reflex helps differentiate between upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) diseases. It is present in UMN lesions but absent in LMN lesions.
What if? If the patient in the image was a 6-month-old infant, a positive Babinski reflex would be a completely normal finding, as the nervous system is still maturing. It only becomes pathological after about 2 years of age.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully analyze the image provided. Identify the action being performed (stimulus) and the resulting reaction (response).
In this image, the stimulus is stroking the sole of the foot. The response is the big toe moving up and the other toes fanning out.
Recall your knowledge of neurological reflexes. This specific sign is known as the Babinski reflex or sign.
Evaluate the options based on your identification. A 'positive' Babinski sign is exactly what is shown.
Differentiate between the options. 'Normal plantar reflex' and 'Negative Babinski reflex' describe the opposite (normal) response. 'Abnormal plantar reflex' is correct but general. 'Positive Babinski reflex' is the most specific and accurate term.
Select the most precise and correct medical term that describes the visual evidence.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The concept tested is the identification and interpretation of the plantar reflex, specifically the Babinski sign, as part of a neurological assessment.
Stem keywords: image, identify, reflex
Lead-in keywords: identify
Clinical cues: The visual cue of the great toe extending upward and other toes fanning out is the classic sign of a positive Babinski reflex.

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