Neurological Assessment Flashcards
What are the three components of the Neurological Assessment?
GCS, Pupils, Motor and Sensory Functions
What are the objectives of the GCS Scale?
To describe the level of consciousness for both medical and trauma patients
Indications for GCS?
To assess the patient’s conscious state
Contraindications for GCS?
Not applied to newborns - they use the APGAR score
Precautions for GCS?
It was developed for traumatic brain injuries so adaption to other patient groups can present limitations and the application of the painful stimuli can sometimes elicit a violent response
Limitations of the GCS?
Drug and alcohol use, shock, hypoxia, clinical inexperience
Lowest GCS score?
Three
Optimum GCS score?
15
What are the three categories for GCS?
Eye Opening, Best Verbal Response, Best Motor Response
A patient is alert and looking at you, can state their name and where they are and can reach up to squeeze your hands - what is their GCS?
15
A patient opens their eyes to your voice, is unsure who you are and where they are but can obey motor commands - what is their GCS?
13
A patient does not open their eyes, is unresponsive to verbal cues but has an extension response with painful stimuli - what is their GCS?
4
A patient opens their eyes and tries to move your hand away after you administer a painful stimulus, after you ask what has happened today they moan and groan - what is their GCS?
9
What to look for when checking pupils?
Size, Shape and Response
What do you check for with Motor and Sensory Function?
Movement and feeling in arms and legs
