Neurological Assessment - Basic Nurse Assessment

[mitchellesamedy]

Quick and easy steps to remember what to look for. Thanks

[stampmypassport]

I appreciate that what is being looked for and why was also demonstrated.

[nghandihede]

To do an appropriate/adequate "pupil size assessment", the lights in the room MUST be off to determine the size of the pupil (determined by the iris) when the pin light hits the pupil. If the lights remain on, the nurse will not be determining pupil size accurately. Rationale: pupils dilate/widen/enlarge/distend (get larger) when room lights are dimmed /off. They will constrict/contract ( get smaller ) when light hits them and or the lights are turned on. There was no way the nurse could determined correct pupil "size" dilation while the lights remained on in the room using the pin light. A fully dilated pupil normally reads 4 to 8 mm's in diametric size as opposed to a constricted pupil reading 2 to 4 mm's in diametric size if done correctly/properly.