Assessment
- Obtain consent and take a photograph of the wound, ensuring to include measurements.
- Check if the wound edges are jagged or straight.
- Assess if the wound has opposing margins.
- Check for surrounding erythema, oedema, grazing or contamination.
- Check for the presence of proximal and distal pulses to the site of injury.
- Assess for bony tenderness. Consider musculoskeletal focused assessment.
Movement and sensation
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Nerve | Sensation | Motor function |
---|---|---|
Radial | Palpate webbing space between thumb and index finger, including the dorsal surface of the hand | The ability to extend the wrist and fingers at the knuckle joint If a cast is over the hand, only assess the extension of the fingers |
Median | Palpate webbing space between thumb and index finger, including the palmar surface of the hand | The ability to bring thumb and little finger together so they are touching |
Ulna | Palpate between the little finger and distal ring finger on the palmar and distal surface of the hand | The ability to abduct all fingers |
Peroneal | Palpate dorsal surface of the foot | The ability to dorsiflex ankle and toes |
Tibial | Palpate plantar surface of foot | The ability to plantar flex ankle and toes |
Accessed from the Emergency Care Institute website at https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/ecat/adult/assessment/neurovascular-skin