April Greene

September 20, 2014

EBP Comparison
In this article, the assessment techniques of the neurologic system are being discussed. It
states that a focused neurologic assessment should be conducted in a head to toe manner by using
the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), cranial nerve assessment, muscle strength and coordination,
balance, and reflex testing. It is important to begin with general and move to more specific
assessment. The assessment begins by asking general information about the patient and then
continuing to ask questions to assess the patients orientation. Give the patient three random
words and ask them to repeat them to test instant recall; have them repeat five minutes later to
assess learning ability. By asking a variety of other questions, short and long term memory can
be assessed as well. Next is the assessment of cranial nerves 1-11 by testing each area of
function. Muscle strength is assessed by providing resistance to areas of the body and asking the
patient to move each part. Point-to-point movements are used to assess coordination and
pronator drift is assessed by having the patient stand with their eyes closed and arms out.
Specific techniques for assessing neurologic function in the unresponsive patient are discussed as
well. Including family members in the interview and being aware of any pharmacological,
cultural, or age related differences are important to obtain the correct assessment data.
The assessment techniques discussed in this article are identical to the techniques in the
book when it comes the the neurologic assessment. Both sources discuss the importance of the
GCS, cranial nerve testing, and assessment of muscle strength, coordination, balance, and reflex
testing, with only very slight variations in the methods. The only difference between the article
and book was the amount of detail that was provided.
Although the techniques discussed are neither right nor wrong, it is important that a
consistent measure is found within a facility. The consistency of these assessments and attention
to detail are important to ensure that all of the bases are covered and nothing is overlooked.

April Greene
September 20, 2014
EBP Comparison
References:
Boudreaux, A. (2014). Strengthening your neurologic assessment techniques. Nursing Critical
Care, 9(3), 32-37.
Dillon, P. M. (2007). Assessing the sensory-neurologic system. In Nursing health assessment: A
critical thinking case studies approach (2nd ed., pp. 737-794). Philadelphia, PA: Lisa B.
Deitch.