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Advanced Trauma Life Support ATLS Student Course Manual 2018

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Skill Station D<br />

DISABILITY<br />

LEARNING OBJECTIVES<br />

1. Perform a brief neurological examination, including<br />

calculating the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score,<br />

performing a pupillary examination, and examining<br />

the patient for lateralizing signs.<br />

2. Identify the utility and limitations of CT head<br />

decision tools.<br />

3. Identify the utility and limitations of cervical spine<br />

imaging decision tools.<br />

5. Identify the signs, symptoms, and treatment of<br />

neurogenic shock.<br />

6. Demonstrate proper helmet removal technique.<br />

7. Identify the signs and symptoms of spinal cord<br />

injury in a simulated patient.<br />

8. Demonstrate the hand-over of a neurotrauma<br />

patient to another facility or practitioner.<br />

4. Perform proper evaluation of the spine while<br />

restricting spinal motion, including evaluating the<br />

spine, logrolling the patient, removing the backboard,<br />

and reviewing cervical spine and head CT images.<br />

Skills Included in this<br />

Skill Station<br />

••<br />

Brief or Focused Neurological Examination<br />

••<br />

Evaluation of Cervical Spine<br />

••<br />

Transfer Communication<br />

••<br />

Helmet Removal<br />

••<br />

Detailed Neurological Exam<br />

••<br />

Removal of Spine Board<br />

••<br />

Evaluation of Head CT Scans<br />

••<br />

Evaluation of Cervical Spine Images<br />

Brief or Focused<br />

Neurological ExamiNAtion<br />

Examine Pupils<br />

STEP 2. Shine light into eyes and note pupillary<br />

response.<br />

Determine New GCS Score<br />

STEP 3. Assess eye opening.<br />

A. Note factors interfering with communication,<br />

ability to respond, and other<br />

injuries.<br />

B. Observe eye opening.<br />

C. If response is not spontaneous, stimulate<br />

patient by speaking or shouting.<br />

D. If no response, apply pressure on fingertip,<br />

trapezius, or supraorbital notch.<br />

E. Rate the response on a scale of not testable<br />

(NT), 1–4.<br />

STEP 1.<br />

Note size and shape of pupil.<br />

STEP 4. Assess verbal response.<br />

n BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

357

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