A Neurologic exam consists of verification of the mental status (Frontal Lobes) and can be done using a:
Mini-mental Exam
&
Cranial Nerve Exam
What are some of the questions for the MME?
Orientation (name, age, address, job, time/date, season)
Registration (Recite 3 unrelated words, distract for five minutes, and ask patient to repeat)
Attention and Calculation: Spell 'world' backwords, or serial 7s (subtract 7 starting at 100).
Language,
When checking the Cerebellar system, how do you use/test with the ROMBERG test?
Ask the patient to stand with arms/hands straight on each side and with the feet together.
1) Instruct the patient to close both eyes while standing in the same position. Observe.
2) Next tell the pt to hold arms straight forward and close eyes. Observe.
When checking the Cerebellar system, how would you check for tandem gait:
Tell patient to walk a straight line in a normal gait. Then instruct patient to walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other.
POSITIVE: unable to perform tandem walking, losing balance, and falling.
In Cerebellar testing, how would you check for Coordination (diadochokinesia)?
Test for RAPID ALTERNATIVE MOVEMENTS: Tell pt to place lower arms on top of each thigh and to move them by alternating between supination and pronation positions.
HEEL-to-SHIN TESTING: Patient should be supine with extended legs. Tell patient to place the
In the Cerebellar testing of the Sensory Testing, the APRN will instruct the patient to close their eyes for the following tests:
VIBRATION SENSE: Use 128-Hz tuning fork and tap lightly, then place one end into the distal joint of each thumb.
SHARP-DULL TOUCH: Use the sharp end of a safety pin for sharp touch and the other end for a dull touch.
TEMPERATURE: Hot or cold.