What is included in the PMS (extremities) assessment?

The PMS assessment for extremities focuses on three critical components: Pulse, Motor, and Sensory.

Pulse assessment refers to checking the blood flow to the extremities by palpating arterial pulses, which helps determine the adequacy of circulation. This is vital in first aid, especially following trauma, as it can indicate whether there is an obstruction or injury affecting blood supply.

Motor assessment involves evaluating the ability of the extremities to move and function properly. This includes asking the patient to move their fingers or toes and assessing for any weakness or inability to perform movements, which can indicate nerve or muscle damage.

Sensory assessment checks the patient's ability to feel sensations like touch, pain, and temperature in their extremities. This is important to identify any nerve injuries or issues with sensation that could influence treatment decisions.

These three components together provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the extremities and are essential in diagnosing potential injuries and administering appropriate first aid.