What is the appropriate method to assess for asterixis in a patient?

The appropriate method to assess for asterixis involves having the patient hold their arms out with wrists hyperextended. This position allows for the best visual identification of the characteristic flapping or tremor of the hands that occurs with asterixis. Asterixis, often described as "liver flap," is typically seen in conditions that lead to metabolic derangements, such as hepatic encephalopathy or respiratory failure.

When patients maintain this position, any momentary interruptions or involuntary movements become more apparent, as the wrist and hand muscles are engaged in a position that requires motor stability. This posture highlights the inability to sustain a fixed position, which is crucial in diagnosing asterixis.

Other methods listed do not focus specifically on the motor function of the hands in a way that best demonstrates asterixis. For instance, asking the patient to clench their fists does not effectively reveal the characteristic tremor since the fists are held tightly rather than in a position that allows for the assessment of involuntary movements. Similarly, assessing response to stimuli or observing for comprehension of questions relates to cognitive function and does not pertain to the motor aspect of asterixis.