An instrument used to test reflexes

An instrument used to test reflexes

• A. Tuning Fork
• B. Ophthalmoscope
• C. Percussion Hammer
• D. Speculum

Answer: (C)

Testing reflexes relies on delivering a quick, controlled tap to a tendon to trigger a simple reflex arc. The instrument that does this is the percussion hammer. By tapping tendons like the patellar or Achilles, it produces a brisk, involuntary muscle contraction that shows whether the nerve pathways at the relevant spinal level are intact. This brisk response helps assess the integrity of the sensory and motor components of the reflex arc. Other tools serve different purposes: a tuning fork checks vibration sense and hearing, an ophthalmoscope examines the interior of the eye, and a speculum widens an opening for visualization or instrument passage. These are not used to elicit reflexes, which is why the percussion hammer is the correct instrument for this test.

Testing reflexes relies on delivering a quick, controlled tap to a tendon to trigger a simple reflex arc. The instrument that does this is the percussion hammer. By tapping tendons like the patellar or Achilles, it produces a brisk, involuntary muscle contraction that shows whether the nerve pathways at the relevant spinal level are intact. This brisk response helps assess the integrity of the sensory and motor components of the reflex arc.

Other tools serve different purposes: a tuning fork checks vibration sense and hearing, an ophthalmoscope examines the interior of the eye, and a speculum widens an opening for visualization or instrument passage. These are not used to elicit reflexes, which is why the percussion hammer is the correct instrument for this test.