When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA).

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15.

Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL).

Neurological status intact.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light, and accommodation (PERLA) is inappropriate. While PERLA includes accommodation, which involves constriction of the pupils when focusing on a near object, accommodation was not specifically assessed or mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to include it in the documentation based solely on the information provided.
Choice B Reason:
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 is inappropriate. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assesses the level of consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses. However, the scenario does not provide information about the client's verbal or motor responses, so using the GCS score of 15 would not accurately reflect the findings described in the assessment of the pupils.
Choice C Reason:
Pupils equal, round, reacts to light (PERRL) is appropriate. This notation describes the key observations made during the assessment of the client's pupils. "PERRL" stands for Pupils Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light. In the given scenario, both pupils are equal in size, round, and demonstrate a brisk response to light, indicating normal pupillary function.
Choice D Reason:
Neurological status intact is inappropriate. While the assessment findings suggest normal pupillary function, documenting "neurological status intact" is a broader statement that encompasses various aspects of neurological function beyond just pupillary assessment. It may be accurate to describe the pupillary findings within the context of a broader neurological assessment, but it does not specifically address the pupil findings as described in the scenario. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate notation for documenting the assessment findings of the pupils.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Giving the client an object to hold is not the most appropriate action before asking the client to flex his arms to assess muscle strength. While providing an object to hold may engage the muscles, it does not specifically target the muscles involved in arm flexion, which are primarily the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles. Therefore, it may not accurately assess muscle strength during arm flexion.
Choice B Reason:
Instructing the client to close his eyes is not the most appropriate action before asking the client to flex his arms to assess muscle strength. Instructing the client to close his eyes primarily tests proprioception and balance rather than muscle strength. While proprioception is an important aspect of overall neurological function, it is not directly related to assessing muscle strength during arm flexion.
Choice C Reason:
Applying resistance to the client's arms is the most appropriate action before asking the client to flex his arms to assess muscle strength. Applying resistance to the client's arms during flexion allows the nurse to evaluate the client's ability to generate force against resistance, providing a more accurate assessment of muscle strength in the biceps brachii and brachialis muscles.
Choice D Reason:
Palpating the client's muscle tone is not the most appropriate action before asking the client to flex his arms to assess muscle strength. While palpating muscle tone is important for assessing muscle integrity, it does not directly evaluate muscle strength during arm flexion. Muscle tone refers to the resting tension in a muscle and may not accurately reflect muscle strength during active movement.

A. Hyperextension and palmar flexion. B. Plantar flexion. C. Forearm pronation. D. Forearm supination.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Hyperextension and palmar flexion are correct. Hyperextension involves moving the wrist joint backward, testing its ability to extend beyond its neutral position. Palmar flexion involves moving the wrist joint forward, testing its ability to flex toward the palm. These movements collectively assess the range of motion of the wrist joint in both directions, which is essential for identifying any limitations or pain associated with certain movements. Since the client presents with right wrist pain and ecchymosis, assessing both hyperextension and palmar flexion can help determine if there's any injury or impairment affecting the wrist's mobility.
Choice B Reason:
Plantar flexion is incorrect. Plantar flexion refers to a movement of the foot and ankle, not the wrist. Therefore, instructing the client to perform plantar flexion would not assess the wrist's mobility and is not relevant to the presented scenario of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.
Choice C Reason:
Forearm pronation is incorrect. Forearm pronation involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces downward. This movement primarily assesses the pronation and supination of the forearm, not the wrist's mobility. Since the client's symptoms are specific to the wrist, assessing forearm pronation would not directly evaluate the wrist's range of motion.
Choice D Reason:
Forearm supination is incorrect. Forearm supination involves rotating the forearm so that the palm faces upward. Similar to forearm pronation, this movement primarily assesses the forearm's mobility, not the wrist's mobility. Therefore, instructing the client to perform forearm supination would not be an appropriate method for assessing the wrist's range of motion in the context of right wrist pain with ecchymosis.

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When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To assess a male client's muscle strength, the nurse first asks the client to extend his arms. Before asking the client to flex his arms, what should the nurse do?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is seen in the emergent care clinic for right wrist pain with a pattern of ecchymosis observed on the wrist. Which motion should the nurse instruct the client to perform to assess the wrist mobility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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