Nursing the Spinal Patient: Neurological
Examination Questions & Answers
1
why is a neurological exam performed?
breaks complex presentations into manageable steps
can localise disease
monitor progress or deterioration of disease
2
what are the aims of a neurological exam?
is the issue neurological
if so, where is it located
what may be causing it
3
what are the main areas that neurological issues can be localised to?
brain
spinal cord
peripheral nerves
neuromuscular
4
what areas of the brain can the neuro exam localise a lesion to?
,brainstem
forebrain
cerebellum
5
what areas of the spinal cord can the neuro exam localise a lesion to?
C1-C5
C6-T2
T3-L3
L4-S2
6
what areas of the neuromuscular junction can the neuro exam localise
a lesion to?
anywhere within the NMJ
7
what are the 5 components of the five finger rule for diagnoses?
signalment
onset
progression
,summetry
pain
8
what may be asked about the onset of a neurological condition?
acute or chronic (speed)
9
what needs to be assessed about the progression of a neurological
issue?
is it static, worsening or improving
10
what needs to be discussed about the symmetry of neuro issues?
are both sides of the body affected or just one
11
what aids diagnosis of neurological issues?
5 finger rule
localisation
12
, what are the 2 key areas of the neurological exam?
hands off
hands on
13
what is involved in the hands off portion of the neuro exam?
mentation
gait and posture
14
what is involved in the hands on portion of the neuro exam?
postural reactions
spinal reflexes
cranial nerves
sensory evaluation
palpation
15
what can be observed about mentation during the neuro exam?
normal?
alert, obtunded, stuporous, comatose
are reactions to the environment appropriate
Examination Questions & Answers
1
why is a neurological exam performed?
breaks complex presentations into manageable steps
can localise disease
monitor progress or deterioration of disease
2
what are the aims of a neurological exam?
is the issue neurological
if so, where is it located
what may be causing it
3
what are the main areas that neurological issues can be localised to?
brain
spinal cord
peripheral nerves
neuromuscular
4
what areas of the brain can the neuro exam localise a lesion to?
,brainstem
forebrain
cerebellum
5
what areas of the spinal cord can the neuro exam localise a lesion to?
C1-C5
C6-T2
T3-L3
L4-S2
6
what areas of the neuromuscular junction can the neuro exam localise
a lesion to?
anywhere within the NMJ
7
what are the 5 components of the five finger rule for diagnoses?
signalment
onset
progression
,summetry
pain
8
what may be asked about the onset of a neurological condition?
acute or chronic (speed)
9
what needs to be assessed about the progression of a neurological
issue?
is it static, worsening or improving
10
what needs to be discussed about the symmetry of neuro issues?
are both sides of the body affected or just one
11
what aids diagnosis of neurological issues?
5 finger rule
localisation
12
, what are the 2 key areas of the neurological exam?
hands off
hands on
13
what is involved in the hands off portion of the neuro exam?
mentation
gait and posture
14
what is involved in the hands on portion of the neuro exam?
postural reactions
spinal reflexes
cranial nerves
sensory evaluation
palpation
15
what can be observed about mentation during the neuro exam?
normal?
alert, obtunded, stuporous, comatose
are reactions to the environment appropriate
