Performing a Sensory Exam

the exam environment should be

closed, well lit for maximal arousal, cognition, attention, vision

materials needed for pain perception

Safety pin or paper clip

materials needed for Light touch

cotton ball/tissue, finger if have to

materials needed for vibration

tuning fork

materials needed for steriognosis

coin, key, paperclip

materials needed for 2 point discrimination

aesthesiometer

materials needed for texture?

different fabrics (cottonball, ect)

patient orientation for sensory exam should include

Instructions & explanation of the test (keep it short), demo trial run

Tell pt not to guess

Supine or seated comfortably in a chair

If superficial sensation is impaired then

there is no need to test deep

sensation should be documented as

intact, impaired, or absent

impaired grading of sensation can include

⅘, ⅗, ⅖, ⅕, or 5/5 trials but one side felt different

how many sensation trials should be at least performed?

5

how can you improve the accuracy of sensation test?

random, unpredictable manner w/ variation in timing

demo trials should be performed on where?

the face

when assessing sensation on pt w/ neurologic condition, what must you do?

have them remove their shoes + socks