Neurovascular Assessment - Nursing Skills

Neurovascular Assessment - Nursing Skills

Here are steps to guide you to perform neurovascular assessment:

1. Assess and compare affected and unaffected extremity.
2. Assess for the symptoms of neurovascular deficits by taking into consideration classic 5 P’s : Pain, Paralysis, Pallor, Parasthesia and Pulses.
3. Check for capillary refill to ensure adequate perfusion.
4. Check sensory and motor function.
   Note: Sensory function: Using touch, ask patient if the patient can feel the touch. Ask if the patient has any unusual sensation by taking into account epidural or nerve blocks. Ask patient to move the fingers or wiggle the toes.
5. Assess for warmth and edema.
   Note: Some edema is normal if a limb has sustained trauma. Compare warmth above and below the site of injury.
6. If the cast or bandage is applied, ensure that the cast is not too tight by inserting two fingers inside the cast.
7. Perform neurovascular assessment every hour or every four hours per hospital policy.