Neurological Determination - Answers Nurses use experience, knowledge of anatomy and
physiology, and the patient's acuity, current deficits, and risk for deterioration to select elements
of the neurological examination most appropriate for the situation.
Neurological Changes and Intervention - Answers Although some neurological changes are
evident instantaneously, most progress over time. Consistent, accurate, and clearly
communicated serial assessments are critical for timely identification and intervention.
Urgent Intervention - Answers Early recognition of events requiring urgent intervention
maximizes the patient's chance of optimal outcome.
Health Promotion - Answers Common areas of health promotion include reducing the risk of
neurovascular disease and injury prevention.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Neurological Disorder - Answers Common symptoms and
signs associated with the neurological system include headache, weakness, blurry vision,
impaired motor function, and impaired speech.
Collecting Headache History - Answers When collecting a headache history, characteristics
such as pain worse in the morning on awakening and pain precipitated or made worse by
straining or sneezing may indicate potentially elevated ICP.
Urgent Neurological Findings - Answers Clinical situations that require urgent communication of
neurological assessment findings include a change in LOC (level of consciousnes), pupillary
reaction, and verbal or motor response.
Consciousness and Cognition - Answers Consciousness and cognition are assessed early in the
neurological examination because these functions direct the method used to elicit further
information.
Glasgow Coma Scale - Answers Use of the GCS helps to provide relatively objective information
about LOC but is most reliable with staff training.
Assessment of Cranial Nerves - Answers Assessment of the function of the CNs is performed
at the bedside through observation of vision, pupils, EOMs, facial expression and strength, and
uvula tongue movement.
Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Funtions - Answers Spinal and peripheral nerve function may be
assessed by testing for motor strength and sensation at different levels of the spinal cord
according to dermatomes.
Unexpected Reflex Response - Answers Unexpected reflex responses include hyperactive or
diminished DTR (deep tendon reflex), decreased superficial reflexes, and a positive Babinski.