Neurovascular Assessment Flashcards
What are some reasons we may do a neurovascular assessment?
Musculoskeletal trauma to extremities (fracture/crush injury), post-operative (internal/external fractures, orthopaedic surg, spinal surg, plastic surg on extremities, cardiac catherisation, tourniquet applied for long periods), application of plaster cast (restrictive dressing), application of traction, burn patients, and/or signs of infection in the limbs
What is a normal colour of the skin that we would observe?
Pink
What is a sign of inadequate arterial supply when assessing colour of the skin?
Pale/white skin or cyanotic
What is a sign of inadequate venous return when assessing skin colour?
Dusky/cyanotic/mottled purple or black
What is a sign of normal skin temp?
Skin that is warm to touch
When assessing the temp of the skin, what is a sign of inadequate arterial supply?
Cool skin
When assessing temp of the skin, what is a sign of inadequate venous return?
Skin that is hot to touch
A normal cap refill should be what?
1-2 seconds
A cap refil that is above 2 seconds indicated what?
Inadequate arterial supply
If there is excessive swelling in the limbs what does this increase the risk of?
Increased risk of neurovascular compromise
How would we position the patient to reduce swelling in the limbs?
Elevate the limb (no higher than heart level)
What sensation and motor function tests do we do in the neurovascular assessment?
3 tests of the nerves in the hands and 2 tests of the nerves in the feet
Hands: Radial nerve, median nerve, and ulna nerve
Feet: Peroneal nerve and tibial nerve
