Neuro Exam

Question 1

What are the 6 components of a neuro exam?

Answer 1

1. Pain
2. Sensory Examination
3. Reflex Examination (deep tendon, cutaneous)
4. Motor screen
5. Cranial nerve integrity
6. Cognition (mini mental)

Question 2

What does the Visual Analog Scale measure?

Answer 2

The VAS documents pain (worst pain, least pain, pain after activity, pain changes throughout the day)
0-100
None-Unbearable

Question 3

What does the Body Chart measure?

Answer 3

Documents location and type of pain (stabbing, pins and needles, burning, numbness)

Question 4

Sensory exam

Answer 4

Guided by patient’s reporting of “loss of feeling”, “numbness”, “tingling, etc.

Question 5

Do exams begin on affected or unaffected side?

Answer 5

Begin on the affected side! Use the unaffected side for comparison

Question 6

Are sensory exams performed on the entire body?

Answer 6

No! Only for a spinal cord injury

Question 7

What are the 7 steps of testing procedure?

Answer 7

1. Position pt
2. Explain testing procedure to pt (check for understanding and demonstrate)
3. Pt’s vision must be blocked during sensory test
4. Start in areas of impaired or absent sensation
5. Compare to intact areas
6. Instruments to test shape/dull should be sterilized or discarded between pt’s!

Question 8

What instrument is used for sharp-dull?

Answer 8

Safety pin

Question 9

Light touch?

Answer 9

Cotton wisp or finger tip (Tap, do not stroke!!)

Question 10

Temperature?

Answer 10

Assess using test tubes with crushed ice/ water and hot tap water. Outside of test tubes stay dry