Assessment of the Neurological System EHS Unit 4
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Transcript of Assessment of the Neurological System EHS Unit 4
Assessment of the Nervous System
EHS Unit 4
Learning Targets• Identify methods to assess function
of the nervous system. • Differentiate between normal and
abnormal results.
Assessing the CNS: Mental Status
• First, we must establish level of consciousness: – Is the person responsive to voice, touch, pain?– Do they have difficulty staying awake? – How is their response time?
• Next, we can evaluate mental orientation. – Do they know who they are, where they are, what
year it is, and recall recent events?
**What types of problems might effect these factors?**
Assessing the CNS: Mental Acuity• Long Term Memory: – This can be tested by discussing earlier life events
with patient, or by asking them to name several items in a category that is common knowledge.
• Short Term Memory: – Can be assessed by asking a patient to recall a
series of words or numbers. • Higher Brain Functions and Language: – Can be assessed during general conversation, or by
asking patient to write things or name pictures that are drawn.
Assessment of the PNS: Cranial Nerves
• We assess the cranial nerves selectively by function. – Olfactory : smell– Optic: sight– Occulomotor, Trochlear and Abducens: Eye
movement, pupillary reflex– Facial and Trigeminal: facial movements and
sensation– Vestibulochoclear – hearing– Glossopharyngeal, Hypoglossal: swallowing,
sticking out tongue
Assessment of the PNS: Sensation
• Afferent Nerves can be tested by light touch, temperature, or pain stimulus. – Pain stimulus should only be used when
light tough or temperature are not effective.
• Proprioception: a sense of where body parts are in relation to others. – This is an assessment of cerebellar
function.
Assessment of PNS: Motor Function
• Efferent pathways should be test for the somatic and autonomic nervous system. – Somatic can be tested by performing
ROM and assessing bilateral strength. – Autonomic can be tested by checking
reflexes. • Patellar reflex is the most common.
** What other systems are being assessed here? **