Neurovascular Status

A neurovascular assessment is required for each affected limb. If the assessment shows:

• Increase in pain which is disproportionate or new to the injury OR

• Decrease in sensation specifically pins and needles, tingling or numbness OR

• Pallor indicating arterial insufficiencies below the level of injury, appearing cold and pale OR

• Temperature of the skin with coolness of the limb distal to injury indicating decreased arterial supply OR

• Capillary refill more than 3 seconds indicating inadequate limb perfusion OR

• Pulselessness: Absent pulse indicating tissue death OR

• Swelling and increased pressure of the affected limb: presenting as tight and shiny skin and indicating intercompartment pressure.

• Elevate the effected limb

• Give consumer any prescribed regular or prn analgesics

• Call ambulance for hospital transfer per Advance Care Directives

• Call the GP

• Take a photo of the effected limb

• Monitor closely, check observations (TPR, BP, and oxygen saturation levels and neurovascular observations) initially, then every hour until an ambulance arrives or per medical order.

• Prepare transfer documents

• Check Advance Care Directive or plan

• Notify Consumer Representative/ Legal Substitute Decision maker