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
|
Source: The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Clinical practice guidelines: Neurovascular observations. Melbourne (Vic): 2023 [cited 2023].
Accessed from the Emergency Care Institute website at https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/ecat/paediatric/assessment/neurovascular-and-skin