Question

1. Discuss the primary and secondary surveys, and give an example of each.

2. Discuss how you would conduct a Neuro exam, and give an example of how such exam should be administered. Respond to two other learners in the discussion thread.

3. Describe how you would help someone who is in respiratory distress, and give at least two examples on how you would respond to that individual.

Answer 1

ANSWERS :

1. PRIMARY SURVEYS : Primary survey is defined as a faster way of identifying any injuries or disease conditions to people which can be life threatening to deal with life threatening conditions according to the priority of needs.

Example : A patient has suddenly collapsed in the hospital with absence of pulse, conscious, then the immediate action to be taken by providing cardio pulmonary resuscitation to regain patients life back to normal.

2. SECONDARY SURVEYS : Secondary surveys is defined as a rapid and head to foot examination to the injured people. It is used to collect information from patient regarding to any injuries and providing treatment to that injuries.

Example : While performing head to foot examination it is evaluated that the person is having small ulcer at the lower leg. To prevent the spread of ulcer sterile dressings and antibiotic therapy can be prescribed as medical management.

2. NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION : Neurological examination is the procedural assessment of sensory and motor responses of nervous system of the patient to evaluate any abnormalities or neurological deficits.

Neurological examination can be conducted by using the following methods :

1. Mental status examination -

- Assess conscious level of patient using Glasgow coma scale

- Assess for mental status ans mini mental status examination

- Assess for intracranial pressure and increased functions

2. Cranial nerve examination :

- Assess for the sensory parts of the cranial nerves (eyes, nose, tongue,ears,skin)

- Assess for tongue movements, facial movements, pharyngeal reflexes

3. Motor system :

- Assess for abnormal movements of the body

- Assess for seizures, spasticity, muscle tone, facial muscle abnormalities

4. Deep tendon reflexes :

- Assess for reflexes of tendon, biceps, triceps, ankle, joints

5. Sensory system :

- Assess for sensation especially in the eyes

- Assess for touch perception

6. Cerebellar testing :

- Assess for finger to nose test

- Assess for ataxia, nystagmus, speech

INDICATIONS FOR THE EXAM :

Neurological examination can be performed when a person is having Neurological disorders.