If a patient holds a familiar object in their hand to identify it, what test is being performed?

The test being described is stereognosis, which refers to the ability to identify objects through touch by recognizing their shape, size, texture, and other physical properties without relying on vision. When a patient holds a familiar object in their hand, they use their tactile senses and previous experiences to determine what the object is, showcasing their sensory integration and memory.

This type of sensory testing is particularly significant in neurological assessments, as it can help in identifying conditions that may impair sensory processing. Stereognosis assesses not only the functional ability to perceive tactile stimuli but also the brain's capability to interpret those stimuli based on prior knowledge and familiarity with the objects.

Other options describe different sensory tests. For example, graphesthesia assesses the ability to recognize letters or numbers written on the skin, two-point discrimination measures the distance at which a person can discern two discrete points on the skin, and monognometrics is not a standard term related to sensory assessment. Understanding these distinctions is essential for correctly identifying the type of sensory examination being conducted.