To elicit the biceps reflex in a school-age child with an acute spinal cord injury, which anatomical area should the nurse tap?

To elicit the biceps reflex effectively in a school-age child, the appropriate anatomical area to tap is the distal phalanx of the index finger. The biceps reflex is a deep tendon reflex that tests the integrity of the C5 and C6 segments of the spinal cord, along with the musculocutaneous nerve.

When the biceps tendon is stimulated, the response is contraction of the biceps muscle, which can be perceived by placing a finger on the tendon. Tapping on the distal phalanx of the index finger indirectly engages the sensory pathways related to the upper extremity. This allows for a clear evaluation of neurological function in the context of spinal cord injury.

The other choices do not effectively elicit the biceps reflex or are not relevant to the specific anatomical pathway associated with this reflex response. Properly tapping the identified area optimizes the chance of accurately assessing the reflex, making it a crucial skill in nursing assessments, particularly in patients with potential spinal cord involvement.