AIMS
To be able to conduct neurological observations
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, you will:
- Know what a neurological observation is
- Understand how and when they are carried out
- Know the common symptoms of head injuries
- Recognise the importance of vital signs
- Know how to measure and interpret them
- Understand how to assess consciousness using the Glasgow Coma Scale
- Know how and when to make an AVPU assessment
- Know how and when to make a PERRLA assessment
- Recognise how and when to make accurate recordings of assessments
- Distinguish between the Glasgow Coma Score and Scale
- Know how the score and methods differ in paediatric assessments
LESSONS AND TOPICS
Neurological Observations
- What is a Neurological Observation?
- When are they carried out?
- Why are they carried out?
- When should they not be carried out?
- Severe Head Injuries
Vital Signs
- What are Vital Signs?
- Body Temperature
- Respiratory Rate
- Pulse Rate
AVPU and PERRLA
- AVPU
- PERRLA
Observations and Types of Response
- When to record Observations
- Motor Response
- Stimulation
- Changes in Responsiveness
Glasgow Coma Scale
- What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
- Development
- Stimuli
- Recording the Glasgow Coma Scale
- Structured Assessment
- Scales
- Factors that can interfere with the Assessment
Relationships and Roles of the Coma Scale and Coma Score
- Assessments and Summaries
Glasgow Coma Scale for Children
- Paediatric Assessment