Neurovascular Assessment

Question 1

What are some reasons we may do a neurovascular assessment?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is a normal colour of the skin that we would observe?

Answer 2

Pink

Question 3

What is a sign of inadequate arterial supply when assessing colour of the skin?

Answer 3

Pale/white skin or cyanotic

Question 4

What is a sign of inadequate venous return when assessing skin colour?

Answer 4

Dusky/cyanotic/mottled purple or black

Question 5

What is a sign of normal skin temp?

Answer 5

Skin that is warm to touch

Question 6

When assessing the temp of the skin, what is a sign of inadequate arterial supply?

Answer 6

Cool skin

Question 7

When assessing temp of the skin, what is a sign of inadequate venous return?

Answer 7

Skin that is hot to touch

Question 8

A normal cap refill should be what?

Answer 8

1-2 seconds

Question 9

A cap refil that is above 2 seconds indicated what?

Answer 9

Inadequate arterial supply

Question 10

If there is excessive swelling in the limbs what does this increase the risk of?

Answer 10

Increased risk of neurovascular compromise

Question 11

How would we position the patient to reduce swelling in the limbs?

Answer 11

Elevate the limb (no higher than heart level)

Question 12

What sensation and motor function tests do we do in the neurovascular assessment?

Answer 12

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