Nursing Skills
Peripheral Nerve Assessment (Neurovascular Checks)
A clinical assessment to monitor circulation and nerve function in a limb, commonly used for casts or trauma.
The 5 Ps Assessment
- Pain: assess for pain out of proportion to injury.
- Pulse: check distal pulses for strength and symmetry.
- Pallor: check skin color for cyanosis or blanching.
- Paresthesia: check for numbness or tingling sensation.
- Paralysis: check for movement limitations.
Clinical Application
- Assess capillary refill (should be < 3 seconds).
- Compare affected limb to the unaffected limb.
- Monitor temperature (skin should be warm, not cold).
- Report neurovascular compromise (e.g., absent pulse) immediately.
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