1. Corrections to “Deep Tendon Reflexes: The What, Why, Where, and How of Tapping” 
Jan M. Nick, PhD, RNC 
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing 
Volume 32, Issue 4, Pages (July 2003)
DOI: /
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

2. Figure 2
Biceps Reflex. Support the arm so that it is completely relaxed. Press tendon at the base of the biceps with your thumb to stretch the tendon. Tap thumb with pointed end of the hammer. Arm will flex.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

3. Figure 3
Triceps Reflex. Support the arm so that it is completely relaxed. Lightly tap the base of the triceps muscle with the broad end of the hammer and the arm will extend.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

4. Figure 4
Patellar Reflex. Bend knee to stretch tendon while ensuring that the leg is relaxed. Palpate tendon to verify location and then tap with broad end of hammer. Leg will extend.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

5. Figure 5
Achilles Reflex. Grasp foot and flex upward to stretch tendon. Tap the tendon on the back of the leg at the height of the ankle bone. Foot will extend. This position may be awkward for the pregnant patient to assume.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

6. Figure 6
Achilles Reflex–Alternate Position. Position patient on side with leg overlapped as shown. Grasp foot and flex upward to stretch tendon. Tap the tendon on the back of the leg at the height of the ankle bone. Foot will extend.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions

7. Figure 7
Plantar Reflex. Flex foot and tap the ball of the foot between the first two digits (at arrow) with pointed end of hammer. Foot will flex.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing  , DOI: ( / )
Copyright © 2003 AWHONN, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses Terms and Conditions