Sample interview questions: Can you discuss your understanding of neurological assessments in critically ill patients?
Sample answer:
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS):
- Widely used to assess the level of consciousness in critically ill patients.
- Assesses eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
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Provides a numerical score (3-15) to quantify the patient’s neurological status.
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Pupillary Assessment:
- Examination of pupil size, shape, and reactivity to light.
- Abnormal pupil findings may indicate neurological injury or compression.
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Dilated, fixed pupils can suggest severe brain injury or brainstem dysfunction.
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Motor Assessment:
- Evaluation of muscle strength, tone, and movement patterns.
- May include testing spontaneous movements, reflexes, and response to commands.
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Helps identify weakness, paralysis, or abnormal muscle tone.
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Sensory Assessment:
- Evaluation of the patient’s ability to perceive and respond to various sensory stimuli.
- May include testing pain, temperature, touch, and proprioception.
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Sensory deficits may indicate neurological damage or dysfunction.
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Vital Signs and Hemodynamic Monitoring:
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
- Changes in these vital signs can reflect neurological changes or complications.
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Hemodynamic monitoring (e.g., intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure) may be used to assess and manage brain function.
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Neurological Imaging… Read full answer
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