Onychia and Paronychia of the Toe â What You Can Do. The terms onychia and paronychia refer to a type of bacterial or fungal infection that strikes the fingernails and toenails. Onychia is an infection of the nail itself, which causes inflammation of the nail and swelling of the surrounding tissue. Paronychia is an infection of the surrounding tissue, where the nail meets the skin; a paronychia infection causes inflammation, and may also lead to the formation of pus-filled abscesses.
Deep Tendon Reflexes. Using a reflex hammer, deep tendon reflexes are elicited in all 4 extremities. Note the extent or power of the reflex, both visually and by palpation of the tendon or muscle in question.
To assess deep tendon reflexes: 1  Encourage the patient to relax the arm or leg being tested. 2  Position the arm or leg so the appropriate tendon is slightly stretched. 3  Hold the reflex hammer lightly and swing it freely in an arc. 4  Strike the tendon with a brisk downward stroke, then lift up on the hammer immediately.