Performing a neurological assessment

Neurological observations are a crucial aspect of patient assessment, which require nurses to collect and analyse information gathered from use of a validated assessment tool such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). This includes, checking pupil size and reaction, limb movements and vital signs. This article discusses the anatomy and physiology underpinning neurological assessments tools, such as A(C)VPU and GCS, it also explains the rationale for checking pupil size and reaction, limb power assessment and how to correctly record and act on neurological observations.